1 Maccabees 12:1-18: Safe Conduct – Renewing Former Friendships
Thursday, December 5, 2019
So often when we are about to embark on a dangerous mission, we search for a letter of introduction, an entrée, an hospitable opening, envoys of safe conduct, forgetting that all the while we already possess these securities . . . in the person of Christ Jesus. We are never alone when we receive word that we have been assigned to a dangerous mission; we always are accompanied by the one who undertook the most dangerous mission of all . . . confronting Lucifer on his own turf . . . in order to save all of humanity. Jesus daily takes on an awesome foe . . . that we might be saved from the darkness.
In today’s citation we read about how Jonathon Maccabeus tries to establish diplomatic links with two pagan, strong states. We notice that he waits until the times favored him. He does not blunder ahead following his own senses or agenda. We also notice that he sends selected men. They are to conform and renew old friendships, old links . . . but not old habits. Jonathan hopes to find a newness in this resurrected union, just as Jesus finds with us in his New Kingdom.
What are the old relationships we need to resurrect? Who are our selected emissaries? Are we overly preoccupied with first finding envoys of safe conduct? Do we hesitate to begin the trip for fear of failing?
Once we have heard the call to resurrection, an overture must be made; and once made, the outcome of this overture must be left in God’s hands. If instead of openness and acceptance we receive deceit and rejection, then we know that we must step back to re-evaluate. Perhaps people and situations have not yet evolved to their harvest time. Perhaps we ourselves need a bit of repair before stepping again into our mission shoes.
But beyond all of the worry and anxiety about what to do when we feel called to renew an old, and perhaps shaky, friendship . . . we must know that this is the kingdom call. And we must know . . . that we are never alone. Christ himself accompanies us as the most seasoned warrior of all time and all creation.
From today’s MAGNIFICAT, page 179: Do not be dismayed by rejection and mockery. Go forward always, with serenity and fortitude of angels, because you are the angels of the earth and so must continue on your way in the midst of so many contrary influences. Everyone can be serene when things run smoothly; it is in difficult situations that fidelity and constancy are proven. St. Francis Xavier Cabrini
Fidelity and Constancy . . . the characteristics of a true envoy of safe conduct. There is no better companion than Christ.
Cameron, Peter John, Rev., ed. “Meditation for the Day.” MAGNIFICAT. 13 November 2008: 179. Print.
To read more about Frances Cabrini, click on the image above or go to: http://www.mothercabrini.com/legacy/life1.asp
Written on November 13, 2008 and posted today as a Favorite.
The Noontimes 