1 Maccabees 1:10-15, 41-43, 54-57, 62-63
#497 Weekday Year I Context (Monday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time)
[From the descendants of Alexander’s officers]
there sprang a sinful offshoot, Antiochus Epiphanes,
son of King Antiochus, once a hostage at Rome.
He became king in the year one hundred and thirty‑seven
of the kingdom of the Greeks.
In those days there appeared in Israel
men who were breakers of the law,
and they seduced many people, saying:
“Let us go and make an alliance with the Gentiles all around us;
since we separated from them, many evils have come upon us.”
The proposal was agreeable;
some from among the people promptly went to the king,
and he authorized them to introduce the way of living
of the Gentiles.
Thereupon they built a gymnasium in Jerusalem
according to the Gentile custom.
They covered over the mark of their circumcision
and abandoned the holy covenant;
they allied themselves with the Gentiles
and sold themselves to wrongdoing.
Then the king wrote to his whole kingdom that all should be one people,
each abandoning his particular customs.
All the Gentiles conformed to the command of the king,
and many children of Israel were in favor of his religion;
they sacrificed to idols and profaned the sabbath.
On the fifteenth day of the month Chislev,
in the year one hundred and forty-five,
the king erected the horrible abomination
upon the altar of burnt offerings
and in the surrounding cities of Judah they built pagan altars.
They also burned incense at the doors of the houses and in the streets.
Any scrolls of the law which they found they tore up and burnt.
Whoever was found with a scroll of the covenant,
and whoever observed the law,
was condemned to death by royal decree.
But many in Israel were determined
and resolved in their hearts not to eat anything unclean;
they preferred to die rather than to be defiled with unclean food
or to profane the holy covenant; and they did die.
Terrible affliction was upon Israel.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on 1 Mc 1:10-15, 41-43, 54-57, 62-63
This reading from the First Book of Maccabees describes the introduction of Hellenistic traditions into Israel, the attempt to suppress Hebrew tradition, desecration of the temple with idols, and persecution of those who attempt to retain their faith and traditions. The verses selected omit some of the classic Hebrew poetry included in this book. The final verses are actually part of a hymn of praise for those who resist the attempt by the Seleucid kings to eliminate Mosaic Law.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Maccabees 2:15-29
#500 Weekday Year I Context (Thursday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time)
The officers of the king in charge of enforcing the apostasy
came to the city of Modein to organize the sacrifices.
Many of Israel joined them,
but Mattathias and his sons gathered in a group apart.
Then the officers of the king addressed Mattathias:
“You are a leader, an honorable and great man in this city,
supported by sons and kin.
Come now, be the first to obey the king’s command,
as all the Gentiles and the men of Judah
and those who are left in Jerusalem have done.
Then you and your sons shall be numbered among the King’s Friends,
and shall be enriched with silver and gold and many gifts.”
But Mattathias answered in a loud voice:
“Although all the Gentiles in the king’s realm obey him,
so that each forsakes the religion of his fathers
and consents to the king’s orders,
yet I and my sons and my kin
will keep to the covenant of our fathers.
God forbid that we should forsake the law and the commandments.
We will not obey the words of the king
nor depart from our religion in the slightest degree.”
As he finished saying these words,
a certain Jew came forward in the sight of all
to offer sacrifice on the altar in Modein
according to the king’s order.
When Mattathias saw him, he was filled with zeal;
his heart was moved and his just fury was aroused;
he sprang forward and killed him upon the altar.
At the same time, he also killed the messenger of the king
who was forcing them to sacrifice,
and he tore down the altar.
Thus he showed his zeal for the law,
just as Phinehas did with Zimri, son of Salu.
Then Mattathias went through the city shouting,
“Let everyone who is zealous for the law
and who stands by the covenant follow after me!”
Thereupon he fled to the mountains with his sons,
leaving behind in the city all their possessions.
Many who sought to live according to righteousness and religious custom
went out into the desert to settle there.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on 1 Mc 2:15-29
We are given the story of how Mattathias began his rebellion in defiance of the king’s order for all in that land to become apostate. He demonstrates his fidelity by not only defying the order to sacrifice in contravention of Mosaic Law, but kills the first of the Jews in Modein who attempt to do so. He continues inviting all those in that town who are faithful to the Covenant of Moses to follow him and his family in rebellion against the king.
We are told that the area Mattathias and many of these followers fled to was “the desert: the sparsely inhabited mountain country southward from Jerusalem and west of the Dead Sea. It was an arid region with some perennial springs and a fair amount of rain in winter.”[1]
There are two basic lessons that come from this story. First, the upright Mattathias and his kinsmen remained faithful to the Law of Moses in the face of adversity. Second, they did so at great material loss, “leaving behind in the city all their possessions.”
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Maccabees 2:49-52, 57-64
#877 Mass for Various Needs (I. For the Holy Church, 12. For Persecuted Christians, Second Option)
When the time came for Mattathias to die, he said to his sons:
"Arrogance and scorn have now grown strong;
it is a time of disaster and violent anger.
Therefore, my sons, be zealous for the law
and give your lives for the covenant of our fathers.
"Remember the deeds that our fathers did in their times,
and you shall win great glory and an everlasting name.
Was not Abraham found faithful in trial,
and it was reputed to him as uprightness?
David, for his piety,
received as a heritage a throne of everlasting royalty.
Elijah, for his burning zeal for the law,
was taken up to heaven.
Hananiah, Azariah, and Mishael, for their faith,
were saved from the fire.
Daniel, for his innocence,
was delivered from the jaws of lions.
And so, consider this from generation to generation,
that none who hope in him shall fail in strength.
Do not fear the words of a sinful man,
for his glory ends in corruption and worms.
Today he is exalted, and tomorrow he is not to be found,
because he has returned to his dust,
and his schemes have perished.
Children! be courageous and strong in keeping the law,
for by it you shall be glorified."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on 1 Mc 2:49-52, 57-64
Mattathias ends his time on earth in a way similar to Jacob, Joshua, Samuel, and David, with a spiritual testament (see Genesis 49; Joshua 24:1-24; 1 Samuel 12:1-25; and 1 Kings 2:1-8). He uses as example the great prophets and leaders of the Jewish people as examples for them to follow. He anticipates coming persecution because of the erosion of faith among the people, a weakening of their spiritual strength. He tells his sons that they must now be strong in the face of the coming storm as their predecessors have done since the beginning. In keeping the faith "courageously" they will be glorified by God.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Maccabees 4:36-37, 52-59
#501 Weekday Year I Context (Friday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time)
Judas and his brothers said,
“Now that our enemies have been crushed,
let us go up to purify the sanctuary and rededicate it.”
So the whole army assembled, and went up to Mount Zion.
Early in the morning on the twenty-fifth day of the ninth month,
that is, the month of Chislev,
in the year one hundred and forty-eight,
they arose and offered sacrifice according to the law
on the new altar of burnt offerings that they had made.
On the anniversary of the day on which the Gentiles had defiled it,
on that very day it was reconsecrated
with songs, harps, flutes, and cymbals.
All the people prostrated themselves and adored and praised Heaven,
who had given them success.
For eight days they celebrated the dedication of the altar
and joyfully offered burnt offerings and sacrifices
of deliverance and praise.
They ornamented the facade of the temple with gold crowns and shields;
they repaired the gates and the priests’ chambers
and furnished them with doors.
There was great joy among the people
now that the disgrace of the Gentiles was removed.
Then Judas and his brothers and the entire congregation of Israel
decreed that the days of the dedication of the altar
should be observed with joy and gladness
on the anniversary every year for eight days,
from the twenty-fifth day of the month Chislev.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on 1 Mc 4:36-37, 52-59
The war with the Gentiles who were trying to destroy the Hebrew faith and traditions was started by Mattathias. In this passage it is won by his son Judas (who was called Maccabeus). This final victory in Jerusalem required the cleansing and re-dedication of the temple. We hear a feast declared toward the end of the passage. That feast is celebrated by the Jewish people today as Hanukkah, also called the Feast of Dedication (John 10:22). The ancient historian, Josephus Flavius, calls it the Feast of Lights.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Maccabees 4:52-59
#817 Ritual Mass (IX. For the Dedication or Blessing of a Church or and Altar, 2. Dedication of an Altar, Third Option)
Early in the morning on the twenty-fifth day of the ninth month,
that is, the month of Chislev,
in the year one hundred and forty-eight,
they arose and offered sacrifice according to the law
on the new altar of burnt offerings that they had made.
On the anniversary of the day on which the Gentiles had defiled it,
on that very day it was reconsecrated
with songs, harps, flutes, and cymbals.
All the people prostrated themselves and adored and praised Heaven,
who had given them success.
For eight days they celebrated the dedication of the altar
and Joyfully offered burnt offerings and sacrifices
of deliverance and praise.
They ornamented the facade of the temple with gold crowns and shields;
they repaired the gates and the priests' chambers
and furnished them with doors.
There was great Joy among the people
now that the disgrace of the Gentiles was removed.
Then Judas and his brothers and the entire congregation of Israel
decreed that the days of the dedication of the altar
should be observed with joy and gladness
on the anniversary every year for eight days,
from the twenty-fifth day of the month Chislev.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on 1 Mc 4:52-59
The war between the Gentiles who were trying to destroy the Hebrew faith and traditions was started by Mattathias has been won. The first act following the final victory in Jerusalem required the cleansing and re-dedication of the Temple. We hear a feast declared toward the end of the passage. That feast is celebrated by the Jewish people today as Hannukah, also called the Feast of Dedication (John 10:22). The ancient historian, Josephus Flavius, calls it the Feast of Lights.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Maccabees 6:1-13
#502 Weekday Year I Context (Saturday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time)-
As King Antiochus was traversing the inland provinces,
he heard that in Persia there was a city called Elymais,
famous for its wealth in silver and gold,
and that its temple was very rich,
containing gold helmets, breastplates, and weapons
left there by Alexander, son of Philip,
king of Macedon, the first king of the Greeks.
He went therefore and tried to capture and pillage the city.
But he could not do so,
because his plan became known to the people of the city
who rose up in battle against him.
So he retreated and in great dismay withdrew from there
to return to Babylon.
While he was in Persia, a messenger brought him news
that the armies sent into the land of Judah had been put to flight;
that Lysias had gone at first with a strong army
and been driven back by the children of Israel;
that they had grown strong
by reason of the arms, men, and abundant possessions
taken from the armies they had destroyed;
that they had pulled down the Abomination
which he had built upon the altar in Jerusalem;
and that they had surrounded with high walls
both the sanctuary, as it had been before,
and his city of Beth-zur.
When the king heard this news,
he was struck with fear and very much shaken.
Sick with grief because his designs had failed, he took to his bed.
There he remained many days, overwhelmed with sorrow,
for he knew he was going to die.
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.
I know that this is why these evils have overtaken me;
and now I am dying, in bitter grief, in a foreign land.”
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on 1 Mc 6:1-13
The historical events published in this selection set the stage for the final battle between the Gentiles of the Seleucid Kings and the Jews. This passage paints a picture of the evil king being thwarted in his plans for domination. He recognizes, according to the chronicler, that he had wronged the Hebrews. He nonetheless sent his forces against Maccabeus (Judas).
The death of Antiochus, resulting from his frustration at not being able to eradicate loyalty to and worship of the true God, symbolizes in some way the tragic condition of those who go so far as to try to uproot God from their own lives or that of society. [2]
#497 Weekday Year I Context (Monday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time)
[From the descendants of Alexander’s officers]
there sprang a sinful offshoot, Antiochus Epiphanes,
son of King Antiochus, once a hostage at Rome.
He became king in the year one hundred and thirty‑seven
of the kingdom of the Greeks.
In those days there appeared in Israel
men who were breakers of the law,
and they seduced many people, saying:
“Let us go and make an alliance with the Gentiles all around us;
since we separated from them, many evils have come upon us.”
The proposal was agreeable;
some from among the people promptly went to the king,
and he authorized them to introduce the way of living
of the Gentiles.
Thereupon they built a gymnasium in Jerusalem
according to the Gentile custom.
They covered over the mark of their circumcision
and abandoned the holy covenant;
they allied themselves with the Gentiles
and sold themselves to wrongdoing.
Then the king wrote to his whole kingdom that all should be one people,
each abandoning his particular customs.
All the Gentiles conformed to the command of the king,
and many children of Israel were in favor of his religion;
they sacrificed to idols and profaned the sabbath.
On the fifteenth day of the month Chislev,
in the year one hundred and forty-five,
the king erected the horrible abomination
upon the altar of burnt offerings
and in the surrounding cities of Judah they built pagan altars.
They also burned incense at the doors of the houses and in the streets.
Any scrolls of the law which they found they tore up and burnt.
Whoever was found with a scroll of the covenant,
and whoever observed the law,
was condemned to death by royal decree.
But many in Israel were determined
and resolved in their hearts not to eat anything unclean;
they preferred to die rather than to be defiled with unclean food
or to profane the holy covenant; and they did die.
Terrible affliction was upon Israel.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on 1 Mc 1:10-15, 41-43, 54-57, 62-63
This reading from the First Book of Maccabees describes the introduction of Hellenistic traditions into Israel, the attempt to suppress Hebrew tradition, desecration of the temple with idols, and persecution of those who attempt to retain their faith and traditions. The verses selected omit some of the classic Hebrew poetry included in this book. The final verses are actually part of a hymn of praise for those who resist the attempt by the Seleucid kings to eliminate Mosaic Law.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Maccabees 2:15-29
#500 Weekday Year I Context (Thursday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time)
The officers of the king in charge of enforcing the apostasy
came to the city of Modein to organize the sacrifices.
Many of Israel joined them,
but Mattathias and his sons gathered in a group apart.
Then the officers of the king addressed Mattathias:
“You are a leader, an honorable and great man in this city,
supported by sons and kin.
Come now, be the first to obey the king’s command,
as all the Gentiles and the men of Judah
and those who are left in Jerusalem have done.
Then you and your sons shall be numbered among the King’s Friends,
and shall be enriched with silver and gold and many gifts.”
But Mattathias answered in a loud voice:
“Although all the Gentiles in the king’s realm obey him,
so that each forsakes the religion of his fathers
and consents to the king’s orders,
yet I and my sons and my kin
will keep to the covenant of our fathers.
God forbid that we should forsake the law and the commandments.
We will not obey the words of the king
nor depart from our religion in the slightest degree.”
As he finished saying these words,
a certain Jew came forward in the sight of all
to offer sacrifice on the altar in Modein
according to the king’s order.
When Mattathias saw him, he was filled with zeal;
his heart was moved and his just fury was aroused;
he sprang forward and killed him upon the altar.
At the same time, he also killed the messenger of the king
who was forcing them to sacrifice,
and he tore down the altar.
Thus he showed his zeal for the law,
just as Phinehas did with Zimri, son of Salu.
Then Mattathias went through the city shouting,
“Let everyone who is zealous for the law
and who stands by the covenant follow after me!”
Thereupon he fled to the mountains with his sons,
leaving behind in the city all their possessions.
Many who sought to live according to righteousness and religious custom
went out into the desert to settle there.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on 1 Mc 2:15-29
We are given the story of how Mattathias began his rebellion in defiance of the king’s order for all in that land to become apostate. He demonstrates his fidelity by not only defying the order to sacrifice in contravention of Mosaic Law, but kills the first of the Jews in Modein who attempt to do so. He continues inviting all those in that town who are faithful to the Covenant of Moses to follow him and his family in rebellion against the king.
We are told that the area Mattathias and many of these followers fled to was “the desert: the sparsely inhabited mountain country southward from Jerusalem and west of the Dead Sea. It was an arid region with some perennial springs and a fair amount of rain in winter.”[1]
There are two basic lessons that come from this story. First, the upright Mattathias and his kinsmen remained faithful to the Law of Moses in the face of adversity. Second, they did so at great material loss, “leaving behind in the city all their possessions.”
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Maccabees 2:49-52, 57-64
#877 Mass for Various Needs (I. For the Holy Church, 12. For Persecuted Christians, Second Option)
When the time came for Mattathias to die, he said to his sons:
"Arrogance and scorn have now grown strong;
it is a time of disaster and violent anger.
Therefore, my sons, be zealous for the law
and give your lives for the covenant of our fathers.
"Remember the deeds that our fathers did in their times,
and you shall win great glory and an everlasting name.
Was not Abraham found faithful in trial,
and it was reputed to him as uprightness?
David, for his piety,
received as a heritage a throne of everlasting royalty.
Elijah, for his burning zeal for the law,
was taken up to heaven.
Hananiah, Azariah, and Mishael, for their faith,
were saved from the fire.
Daniel, for his innocence,
was delivered from the jaws of lions.
And so, consider this from generation to generation,
that none who hope in him shall fail in strength.
Do not fear the words of a sinful man,
for his glory ends in corruption and worms.
Today he is exalted, and tomorrow he is not to be found,
because he has returned to his dust,
and his schemes have perished.
Children! be courageous and strong in keeping the law,
for by it you shall be glorified."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on 1 Mc 2:49-52, 57-64
Mattathias ends his time on earth in a way similar to Jacob, Joshua, Samuel, and David, with a spiritual testament (see Genesis 49; Joshua 24:1-24; 1 Samuel 12:1-25; and 1 Kings 2:1-8). He uses as example the great prophets and leaders of the Jewish people as examples for them to follow. He anticipates coming persecution because of the erosion of faith among the people, a weakening of their spiritual strength. He tells his sons that they must now be strong in the face of the coming storm as their predecessors have done since the beginning. In keeping the faith "courageously" they will be glorified by God.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Maccabees 4:36-37, 52-59
#501 Weekday Year I Context (Friday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time)
Judas and his brothers said,
“Now that our enemies have been crushed,
let us go up to purify the sanctuary and rededicate it.”
So the whole army assembled, and went up to Mount Zion.
Early in the morning on the twenty-fifth day of the ninth month,
that is, the month of Chislev,
in the year one hundred and forty-eight,
they arose and offered sacrifice according to the law
on the new altar of burnt offerings that they had made.
On the anniversary of the day on which the Gentiles had defiled it,
on that very day it was reconsecrated
with songs, harps, flutes, and cymbals.
All the people prostrated themselves and adored and praised Heaven,
who had given them success.
For eight days they celebrated the dedication of the altar
and joyfully offered burnt offerings and sacrifices
of deliverance and praise.
They ornamented the facade of the temple with gold crowns and shields;
they repaired the gates and the priests’ chambers
and furnished them with doors.
There was great joy among the people
now that the disgrace of the Gentiles was removed.
Then Judas and his brothers and the entire congregation of Israel
decreed that the days of the dedication of the altar
should be observed with joy and gladness
on the anniversary every year for eight days,
from the twenty-fifth day of the month Chislev.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on 1 Mc 4:36-37, 52-59
The war with the Gentiles who were trying to destroy the Hebrew faith and traditions was started by Mattathias. In this passage it is won by his son Judas (who was called Maccabeus). This final victory in Jerusalem required the cleansing and re-dedication of the temple. We hear a feast declared toward the end of the passage. That feast is celebrated by the Jewish people today as Hanukkah, also called the Feast of Dedication (John 10:22). The ancient historian, Josephus Flavius, calls it the Feast of Lights.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Maccabees 4:52-59
#817 Ritual Mass (IX. For the Dedication or Blessing of a Church or and Altar, 2. Dedication of an Altar, Third Option)
Early in the morning on the twenty-fifth day of the ninth month,
that is, the month of Chislev,
in the year one hundred and forty-eight,
they arose and offered sacrifice according to the law
on the new altar of burnt offerings that they had made.
On the anniversary of the day on which the Gentiles had defiled it,
on that very day it was reconsecrated
with songs, harps, flutes, and cymbals.
All the people prostrated themselves and adored and praised Heaven,
who had given them success.
For eight days they celebrated the dedication of the altar
and Joyfully offered burnt offerings and sacrifices
of deliverance and praise.
They ornamented the facade of the temple with gold crowns and shields;
they repaired the gates and the priests' chambers
and furnished them with doors.
There was great Joy among the people
now that the disgrace of the Gentiles was removed.
Then Judas and his brothers and the entire congregation of Israel
decreed that the days of the dedication of the altar
should be observed with joy and gladness
on the anniversary every year for eight days,
from the twenty-fifth day of the month Chislev.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on 1 Mc 4:52-59
The war between the Gentiles who were trying to destroy the Hebrew faith and traditions was started by Mattathias has been won. The first act following the final victory in Jerusalem required the cleansing and re-dedication of the Temple. We hear a feast declared toward the end of the passage. That feast is celebrated by the Jewish people today as Hannukah, also called the Feast of Dedication (John 10:22). The ancient historian, Josephus Flavius, calls it the Feast of Lights.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Maccabees 6:1-13
#502 Weekday Year I Context (Saturday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time)-
As King Antiochus was traversing the inland provinces,
he heard that in Persia there was a city called Elymais,
famous for its wealth in silver and gold,
and that its temple was very rich,
containing gold helmets, breastplates, and weapons
left there by Alexander, son of Philip,
king of Macedon, the first king of the Greeks.
He went therefore and tried to capture and pillage the city.
But he could not do so,
because his plan became known to the people of the city
who rose up in battle against him.
So he retreated and in great dismay withdrew from there
to return to Babylon.
While he was in Persia, a messenger brought him news
that the armies sent into the land of Judah had been put to flight;
that Lysias had gone at first with a strong army
and been driven back by the children of Israel;
that they had grown strong
by reason of the arms, men, and abundant possessions
taken from the armies they had destroyed;
that they had pulled down the Abomination
which he had built upon the altar in Jerusalem;
and that they had surrounded with high walls
both the sanctuary, as it had been before,
and his city of Beth-zur.
When the king heard this news,
he was struck with fear and very much shaken.
Sick with grief because his designs had failed, he took to his bed.
There he remained many days, overwhelmed with sorrow,
for he knew he was going to die.
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.
I know that this is why these evils have overtaken me;
and now I am dying, in bitter grief, in a foreign land.”
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on 1 Mc 6:1-13
The historical events published in this selection set the stage for the final battle between the Gentiles of the Seleucid Kings and the Jews. This passage paints a picture of the evil king being thwarted in his plans for domination. He recognizes, according to the chronicler, that he had wronged the Hebrews. He nonetheless sent his forces against Maccabeus (Judas).
The death of Antiochus, resulting from his frustration at not being able to eradicate loyalty to and worship of the true God, symbolizes in some way the tragic condition of those who go so far as to try to uproot God from their own lives or that of society. [2]
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fin
[1] See NAB Footnote for 1 Mc 2:29
[2] The Navarre Bible: “Chrnicles-Maccabees”, Scepter Publishers, Princeton, NJ, © 2003, p.496
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