The Martyrdom of Seven Brothers
2 Maccabees 7:1, 20–31; Psalm 17; Luke 19:11–28
The first reading presents us with the martyrdom of seven sons and their mother on account of their refusal to perform the rites declared by the pagan king. They stood their ground, regardless of death penalty.
Are there Christians who can still stand their ground in the face of death? How do we embrace the challenges of our faith? The gospel reading speaks of the gifts we have been given. These gifts are not to be buried, misused, or abused. God wants us to be productive with the various gifts we have received.
In the gospel, the man with one talent acted out of fear and buried his talent. Fear is a destructive factor in our Christian faith. Fear attacks our potential and renders us improbable, helpless, and feeble. Are we ready to exercise faith over fear? Can we withstand the immoral pressure of our days?
Today the church celebrates the Memorial of St. Cecilia, Virgin, and Martyr. She exercised faith over fears. She did not yield to the immoral pressure of her days. After the effort to suffocate her failed, Cecilia was eventually martyred by being beheaded in her own home. She was devoted all the way to the end, and her soul eventually found her heavenly king. She is patroness of Church music.
Let us pray.
O God, who gladdens us each year with the feast day of your handmaid, Saint Cecilia, grant, we pray, that what has been devoutly handed down concerning her may offer us examples to imitate and proclaim the wonders worked in his servants by Christ your Son. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever? Amen.
Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
