November 14, 2009
Memorial of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
So he called in all his Friends and said to them: "Sleep has departed from my eyes, for my heart is sinking with anxiety. I said to myself: 'Into what tribulation have I come, and in what floods of sorrow am I now! Yet I was kindly and beloved in my rule.' But I now recall the evils I did in Jerusalem, when I carried away all the vessels of gold and silver that were in it, and for no cause gave orders that the inhabitants of Judah be destroyed. 1 Maccabees 6:10-12
And they no longer dared to ask him anything. Luke 20:40
Piety
Father, open our ears so that we may hear the lessons you have for us this beautiful day. From these lessons, give us an open mind and an open heart to put ourselves in your presence, accept your mission and do your will. Amen.
Study
King Antiochus did not like having the tables of war turned on him. As long as he was winning his military campaigns against Egypt and sacking Jerusalem, he never expressed sorrow for his actions. In fact the Jewish Encyclopedia refers to him as “Antiochus the Wicked.” However, now he was on a losing streak. His armies were losing. His earthly power and influence were waning in the face of the strong defense that the Jews put up in Jerusalem.
The Pharisees and the Sadducees also did not like having their power in the temple challenged by this itinerant preacher from Nazareth. So they tried to trap Jesus with some tough questions. Now that Jesus has rid the temple of the money-changer and merchants, he can back down to the business of conversion and preaching there. Just as the Maccabees rose up to challenge King Antiochus, Jesus answered the temple challenge with a strong defense of the truth that it ended his “inquisition” by the temple authorities. “Teacher, you have answered well.”
Some of the people are beginning to realize through experience what Peter, John and James learned on the top of the mountain when the voice of God proclaimed, "This is my chosen Son; listen to him."
During the time they witnessed the Transfiguration, the disciples also heard Jesus talking with Moses and Elijah talking about his exodus and all that he would accomplish in Jerusalem. The human part of that accomplishment may be seen in his success at winning over some minds in the temple and his recognition that he is a authoritative teacher. However, these pale in comparison to what he will accomplish from the Passover Feast through Easter Sunday for the salvation of all.
Action
What is keeping you up at night or bothering your conscience? We have an answer to our anxiety. Seek forgiveness from the Lord through the sacrament of reconciliation.
