God is Not Dead. He Never Sleeps. Wickedness Never Lasts

Saturday 20th November 2021. Read 1 Maccabees 6:1-13, Ps. 9:2-4,6,16,19, Luke 20:27-40 

“But now I remember the evils I did in Jerusalem. I seized all her vessels of silver and gold; and I sent to destroy the inhabitants of Judah without good reason. I know that it is because of this that these evils have come upon me; and behold, I am perishing of deep grief in a strange land.” (1 Maccabees 6:12-13)

In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus explains the meaning of resurrection to the Sadducees who did not believe that the dead could rise again. If these Sadducees were modern-day Christians, I guess they would have asked Jesus to show them where it is written in the Scriptures that the dead are to rise again.

The Sadducees asked Jesus a question about a woman who married seven brothers desiring to know whose wife she would be in the resurrection. This question revealed their limited understanding of life after death. Jesus explains that in the resurrection, we are going to be like the Angels – pure spirits who would not need to marry or give birth.

Jesus quoted from the Scriptures to support his point. He referred them to the passage of Moses in the burning bush. The Sadducees were conversant with that passage but it never occurred to them the full implication of this passage. He is God, not of the dead but of the Living.

King Antiochus Epiphanes, after all his evil deeds, died in shame with tears and sorrow. In his own words: “I remember the evils I did in Jerusalem … I sent to destroy the inhabitants of Judah without good reason. I know that it is because of this that these evils have come upon me, and behold, I am perishing of deep grief in a strange land.” 

Our Psalmist today sings: “For the needy shall not always be forgotten, nor the hopes of the poor ever perish.” When it seems as if evil people are succeeding, don’t worry, just keep trusting in God, don’t give up hope, don’t stop being good. 

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, when I feel like giving up because of the many evils around me, strengthen me to move on. May I remain faithful to you till death. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Saturday of week 33 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: 1 Maccabees 6:1-13, Ps. 9:2-4,6,16,19, Luke 20:27-40).