1 Maccabees 2:15-29 / Luke 19:41-44
When faced with a threat or a danger, there are usually two options to consider.
It is either we fight or we take flight.
Both options require courage and wisdom.
In the 1st reading, Mattathias and his family were faced with a difficult situation.
They were told that if they renounced their faith and obeyed the king’s commissioners, they would be rewarded.
Mattathias declared that he and his family will remain faithful to the covenant of his ancestors.
He also fought and killed the king’s commissioners who were sent to enforce the king’s orders.
He had the courage to fight for his faith, but he also had the wisdom to take flight and escape into the hills.
Those who had the courage and wisdom also followed him, leaving all their possessions behind in the town.
In the gospel, Jesus warned of an impending mortal danger.
For those who heeded the signs and recognized their opportunity when God offered it, they would have saved themselves.
May we too have the wisdom to heed the signs from God and recognize the opportunity when God offered it.
May we also have the courage to leave the unnecessary behind and walk towards salvation.