Tuesday, XXXIII Week of Ordinary Time
II Maccabees 6:18-31
Our word scandal comes from the Greek skandalon meaning a trap or stumbling block. Scandals are moral potholes into which weaker individuals may fall and injure themselves. Certainly President Clinton’s indiscretions a decade ago left the impression for many in society that matrimonial infidelity is commonplace if not commendable. Similarly, the many instances of sexual abuse of minors involving Catholic clergy left many people distrustful of the value of the Church.
In the first reading today we find a counter-example. Eleazar, a ninety year old Jew, refuses to give scandal in order to strengthen those who might be inclined to compromise the integrity of their faith. Rather than leave the impression that he is eating pork, Eleazar rejects the idea that he substitute kosher meat for it. His stand will cost him his life but has distinguished his name in history as well as provided him a place of glory in heaven.
We look to the elderly as examples of what truly matters. They serve the critical function of reminding the rest of us that God counts above all and that we ought to love our neighbors as much as ourselves. In the upcoming holiday season they will hopefully show us again that our first obligation is to give thanks to God for all that we have. Then they should demonstrate how our caring presence to one another outshines diamonds that might be received in gifts.
