*** 1st Reading ***

2Maccabees 7: 1-2, 9-14

It happened also that seven brother were arrested with their mother.

The king had them scourged and flogged to face them to eat the flesh of a pig which was prohibited by the law. One of them, speaking in behalf of all, said, “What do you want to find out from us? we are prepared to die right now rather than break the law of our ancestors.”

At the moment of his last breath, he said, “Murderer, you now dismiss us from life, but the king of the world will raise us up. He will give us eternal life since we die for his laws.” After this, they punished the third.

He stuck his tongue out when asked to, bravely stretched forth his hands, and even had the courage to say: “I have received these limbs from God, but for love of his laws I now consider them as nothing. For I hope to recover them from God.” The king and his court were touched by the courage of this young man, so unconcerned about his own sufferings

When this one ws dead, they subjected the fourth to the same torture. At the point of death, he cried out, “I would rather die at the hands of mortals, and wait for the promises of God who will raise us up; you, however, shall have no part in the resurrection of life.”

 

Ps  171  Lord, when your glory appears, my joy will be full. 

 

*** 2nd Reading ***

2 Thessalonians 2: 16-3:5

May Christ Jesus, our Lord, who has loved us, may God our Father, who, in his mercy, gives us everlasting comfort and true hope, strengthen you. May he encourage your hearts and make you steadfast in every good work and word.

Finally, brothers and sisters, pray for us that the word of God may spread rapidly and be glorified everywhere, as it was with you. May God guard us from wicked and evil people, since not everyone has faith.

The Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and keep you safe from the evil one. Besides, we have, in the Lord, this confidence, that you are doing, and will continue to do, what we order you. May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.

 

**** Gospel ****

Luke 20: 27-38

Then some Sadducees arrived. These people claim that there is no resurrection, and they asked Jesus this question, “Master, in the law Moses told us, ‘If anyone dies leaving a wife but no children, his brother must take the wife, and any child born to them will be regarded as the child of the deceased.’

Now , there were seven brothers: the first married, but died without children. The second married the woman, but also died childless. And then the third married her, and in his same way all seven died, leaving no children. Last of all the woman died. On the day of the resurrection, to which of them will the woman be a wife? For all seven had her as a wife.”

And Jesus replied, “Taking a husband or a wife is proper to people of this world, but for those who are considered worthy of the world to come, and of resurrection from the dead, there is no more marriage. Besides, they cannot die, for they are like the angels. They are sons and daughters of God, because they are born of the resurrection.

Yes, the dead will be raised, as Moses revealed at the burning bush, when he called the Lord the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob. For God is God of the living, and not of the dead, for to him everyone is alive.”

 

Gospel Reflection:

READ: The mother and her seven sons in the first reading persevered in their persecution sustained by their faith in the promise of God of eternal life for those who die for his laws. In the gospel, some Sadducees questioned Jesus about the resurrection. St. Paul encourages constancy in faith and endurance in Christ.

REFLECT: The Christian view of life after death is clear. There is resurrection. But the Lord cautions us that it is only for those who will be deemed worthy. Only for those who will remain loyal and steadfast despite difficulties and even tortures.

PRAY: Lord, grant me a strong resolve to be yours until death.

ACT: There are many in the world who are persecuted for their Christian faith. Offer a moment of prayer for them today.