Day 299: Jeremiah Hides the Ark

2 Maccabees 2:1-18 Drawing from earlier accounts involving Nehemiah and Solomon, Judas established directives for the sacrifices offered at the rededicated Temple. God, always faithful to his covenants, had saved Israel once again.


Ch 2:19-32 The Sacred Author’s purpose for writing was to provide both a summary of the revolt against the unjust oppressors of Israel and to show God’s predilection for the people of Israel. 


Sirach 42:1-8 No one must ever be ashamed to act virtuously and prudently.


Ch 42:9-14 Though this book was written in a time marked by a double standard, his encouragement of paternal concern for a daughter to maintain chastity before marriage is a valid disposition for all times. (CCC 2344-2345, 2395)


Ch 42:15-25 The final part of this book recalls God’s wisdom experienced throughout history, from creation through the various patriarchs and up nearly to the prophets of the author’s day. The created world reflects God’s eternal wisdom. The harmonious symphony of every created being with its wide array of qualities and functions attests to God’s inexpressible knowledge and power. (CCC 292, 315, 339)


Ch 42:15 By the words...works are done: This is an obvious reference to the creation narrative in Genesis. Through a mere act of God’s will, described as a verbal command, all of creation unfolded in indescribable splendor and magnificence. (CCC 299)


Ch 43:1-33 The celestial bodies and all of nature reflect God’s glory and power. It should instill a sense of awe and lead to habitual sentiments of praise and adoration.


Ch 43:27-28 Though all of creation is both caused by God and sustained by God, he can only be known indirectly since he transcends the created world absolutely. By analogy, creation tells us that God is infinitely knowing, good, and powerful. However, only through his positive Revelation in Scripture and through his ultimate self-Revelation in the Incarnation can we know God directly. (CCC 300, 2129)


Ch 44:1-50:21 Beginning here and continuing through the end of Chapter 49 is an extended eulogy to a number of important figures who had had an impact on the history of Israel. After summarizing the main ideas of this book, the Sacred Author describes how each person exercised a wisdom that was linked intimately with obedience to the Commandments and with fear of the Lord. The Church likewise memorializes saints, who serve as marvelous examples of virtue and the spiritual potential of every person. (CCC 1067-1068, 1172-1173, 1195)

(*The Didache Bible RSV-CE Ignatius Edition, 2006)


 

Prayer by Fr. Mike: “Father in Heaven we give you praise and glory. Thank you so much. In the name of your Son, Jesus, please receive our thanks today. Please, Lord God, receive our prayer of giving you praise and giving you the blessing that is yours. You are Good. You are Glorified. Help us to glorify you in our speech. Help us to glorify you in our actions in everything we choose to do today. Help us to glorify you by the things we choose not to do. Lord God, that will come across our plates today that we...hmmm...Lord, you call us to say no to them. You call us to let them go. You call us to put them down. You call us to set them free, and by doing so, setting ourselves free for loving you and for loving the people around us. Help us to let go of anger, bitterness, and resentment. Help us to let go of greed, pride, and vanity. Lord, help us to let go of anything and everything that keeps us from you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.”