Loyal

“Even if, for the time being, I avoid the punishment of man, I shall never, whether alive or dead, escape the hands of the Almighty.” 2 Maccabees 6:26

Thus proclaimed Eleazar, an elderly and highly respected teacher of the law. It was easy for him to escape the death penalty. All he needed to do was pretend to eat some of the meat of the sacrifice prescribed by the king. But Eleazar refused for he decided he would be loyal to the holy laws of God. And another thing is he did not want to give a bad example to the young. 

How many of us would take the easy way out of a difficult situation? We would rather get along with others rather than to correct them, tell them that the way they think is wrong in the eyes of God. Even the Church these days is pandering to worldly ways and opening its doors to ambiguity and confusing moral standards. 

Lord, give us the strength and fortitude to obey you. May we be courageous in these times that try men’s souls. May we, like Eleazar, know that our life on Earth is brief, and we should spend it loving You and loving our neighbor.