1 Maccabees 12:19-38: In the Face of Great Odds
Friday, December 20, 2019
Jonathan Maccabeus
We have looked at the verses that precede and follow today’s citation, reflecting on friendship and betrayal, on constancy and convolution. Today we see Jonathan Maccabeus experiencing success as he follows the call of God. He is later betrayed, but his betrayer suffers a sad end. We might learn about the kind of patience needed for fidelity when we ponder this story; and we may better understand the need for fortitude and hope when we follow God’s call. Jonathan’s victory in today’s Noontime comes from his faith in a God who does not abandon his creatures. Jonathan’s true triumph is not the battles the battles he wins . . . but his commitment to the promise he has made to God. His true reward is not the fame of the battle won . . . but the serenity of knowing that all is best and all is well when our work is placed in God’s hands.
From today’s Evening Prayer in MAGNIFICAT:
Although you have not seen him you love him; even though you do not see him now yet you believe in him, you rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy. 1 Peter 1:8
Whatever gains I had, these I have come to consider a loss because of Christ. It is not that I have already taken hold of it or have already attained perfect maturity, but I continue my pursuit in hope that I may possess it, since I have indeed been taken possession of by Christ. Philippians 3: 7, 12
Although Jonathan did not see God, he loved God and followed his calling . . . even to death.
Whatever gain or loss Jonathan had, he had in God.
May we too, be as constant and as hope-filled as Jonathan . . . even in the face of the greatest odds.
Cameron, Peter John. “Prayer for the Evening.” MAGNIFICAT. 16.11 (2010). Print.
Written on November 16, 2010 and posted today as a Favorite.
Image from: http://all-generals.ru/index.php?id=1193
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