1 Maccabees 2:15-29
Psalm 50:1-2, 5-6, 14-15
Luke 19:41-44
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ZEAL
"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." —1 Maccabees 2:24
The Lord in His Word commends Mattathias (1 Mc 2:24-26), Phinehas (Ps 106:30-31), and many others for their zeal. Mattathias shouted: “Let everyone who is zealous for the law and who stands by the covenant follow after Me!” (1 Mc 2:27) Jesus Himself epitomized the words of Scripture: “Zeal for Your house consumes Me” (Jn 2:17; Ps 69:10). Zeal for the law, God’s house, and His kingdom marks a disciple of Jesus.
In the new covenant, however, zeal is not primarily directed toward people. Our battle is not against human forces but against the devil (Eph 6:12). Because of our zeal, we no longer put others to death, but let them kill us if necessary for witnessing to Jesus. This does not mean we are passive. No, we are zealous, militant, extremely active, yet not violent. Zeal expressed violently plays right into the devil’s hands. When we act and react violently, we let ourselves be duped by the devil into working for his kingdom. “Without knowledge, even zeal is not good; and he who acts hastily, blunders” (Prv 19:2).
In contrast, zeal for Jesus’ kingdom is zeal as He is zealous. Our weapons of victory are truth (Jn 8:32), goodness (Rm 12:21), and love (1 Cor 13:8), if we have the faith and zeal to use them.
Prayer: Father, because of my apathy, millions are murdered through abortion, starvation, and injustice. Give me holy zeal.
Promise: "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." —1 Mc 2:28-29
Praise: The Martinez family writes thanksgivings to God and puts the slips of papers in a jar. Periodically, they gather to read the papers and praise the Lord for His goodness.
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"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from October 1, 2025, through November 30, 2025. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio April 2, 2025"
The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.
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