The Second Book of Maccabees Chapter 4 of 7 (To update)

The Second Book of Maccabees

 Chapter  4

¹ The previously mentioned Simon, who had informed about the money against his own country, slandered Onias, saying that it was he who had incited Heliodorus and had been the real cause of the misfortune.

(The Second Book of Maccabees Chapter 4 verse 1)

Oh God my Father, brothers and sisters, protect us against all who try to cause harm in the Roman Catholic Church and also in the other churches, Amen Please protect us against the forces of evil who try to create chaos and divisions within. Amen.



² He dared to designate as a plotter against the government the man who was the benefactor of the city, the protector of his compatriots, and a zealot for the laws.

(The Second Book of Maccabees Chapter 4 verse 2)

Oh God my Father, this year 2019 has been a turbulent one full of corruption and instability, people of trust ended up in awkward situations that compromised their integrity. I pray for such people and I also pray that You make Malta a united island as before Amen both socially and more spiritually Amen.


³ When his hatred progressed to such a degree that even murders were committed by one of Simon's approved agents, ⁴ Onias recognized that the rivalry was serious and that Apollonius son of Menestheus, and governor of Coelesyria and Phoenicia was intensifying the malice of Simon.


(The Second Book of Maccabees Chapter 4 verses 3 to 4)


Oh, brothers and sisters, hatred drives us crazy. It affects how we think and behave, and takes control of our real self. I pray that when we are in such a deep state of sin You save us, my God and Father Amen.


⁵ So he appealed to the king, not accusing his compatriots but having in view the welfare, both public and private of all the people.


(The Second Book of Maccabees Chapter 4 verse 5)


Oh God my Father this should be our attitude and course of action when in confrontation with others. We are not to be judgemental towards others but consider the other's welfare instead of doing or saying something that might cause harm on them or they're well being Amen.


⁶ For he saw that without the king's attention public affairs could not again reach a peaceful settlement and that Simon would not stop his folly.



(The Second Book of Maccabees Chapter 4 verse 6)


Oh God my Father even though You are invisible to our human eyes, in You and by means of You all order is found and all fulfilment that has Your blessing and approval is found Amen. I pray that all rulers of this earth base their rules and regulations on a Christian foundation as supported by the Word of God amen and as upheld by the Roman Catholic Church and also by other churches. 


⁷ When Seleucus died and Antiochus who was called Epiphanes, succeeded to the kingdom, Jason the brother of Onias obtained the high priesthood by corruption, ⁸ promising the king at an interview three hundred sixty talents of silver, and from another source of revenue eighty talents.


(The Second Book of Maccabees Chapter 4 verses 7 to 8)


Money oh God can buy many things that are of this world, however, it has no strength against spiritual issues for such cannot be purchased with money. I pray that the Roman Catholic Church and other churches be cleansed from any possible traces of corruption Amen.



⁹ In addition to this he promised to pay one hundred fifty more if permission were given to establish by his authority a gymnasium and a body of youth for it, and to enroll the people of Jerusalem as citizens of Antioch.


(The Second Book of Maccabees Chapter 4 verse 9)


Oh God my Father I pray that You bring to an end this wave of corruption that is destroying the world making it prone and vulnerable to sin. Help us realise that by using money we cannot make what is wrong appear as if it is good and healthy Amen.


¹⁰ When the king assented and Jason came to office, he at once shifted his compatriots over to the Greek way of life.



(The Second Book of Maccabees Chapter 4 verse 10)


Dear God I pray that world leaders do not use their political power in order to influence or in some way discourage our faith in You Amen.


¹¹ He set aside the existing royal concessions to the Jews, secured through John the father of Eupolemus, who went on the mission to establish friendship and alliance with the Romans; and he destroyed the lawful ways of living and introduced new customs contrary to the law.


(The Second Book of Maccabees Chapter 4 verse 11)


Oh God, my Father, this is politics. It is a never-ending story, one Prime Minister succeeds another and new laws are introduced such as abortion, and the right of adoption for people with gay tendencies, The structure of the nuclear family that we have been accustomed to is slowly disintegrating Amen.


¹² He took delight in establishing a gymnasium right under the citadel, and he induced the noblest of the young men to wear the Greek hat.


(The Second Book of Maccabees Chapter 4 verse 12)


Oh God my Father I pray that all governments respect our faith and cease from introducing means and ways that are contrary to our belief in You and that disrupt the social order as You meant it to be. Amen.


¹³ There was such an extreme of Hellenization and increase in the adoption of foreign ways because of the surpassing wickedness of Jason, who was ungodly and no true high priest, ¹⁴ that the priests were no longer intent upon their service at the altar. Despising the sanctuary and neglecting the sacrifices, they hurried to take part in the unlawful proceedings in the wrestling arena after the signal for the discus-throwing, ¹⁵ disdaining the honors prized by their ancestors and putting the highest value upon Greek forms of prestige.



(The Second Book of Maccabees Chapter 4 verses 13 to 15)


Oh God my Father these verses are a fair warning for those priests who are participating in the material world as in sports and television programmes. I pray that such people do not lack in their spiritual obligations but pursue on the pathway of holiness and servitude towards the Church and us the laity Amen. 


¹⁶ For this reason heavy disaster overtook them, and those whose ways of living they admired and wished to imitate completely became their enemies and punished them.


(The Second Book of Maccabees Chapter 4 verses 16)


Oh God my Father it is for this reason that we are experiencing this new virus that is claiming the lives of many people. We have become worldly and we are imitating the ways of the world instead of the ways of the kingdom. We are following the lifestyles of our worldly idols which lead to our ruin instead of to our glory as You wish us to be in Amen.

¹⁷ It is no light thing to show irreverence to the divine laws-a fact that later events will make clear.


(The Second Book of Maccabees Chapter 4 verses 17)


Oh God, my Father today we are taking spiritual things lightly even though You are making us more aware that our spiritual relationship with You is what really matters both in this life and much more after we depart from this world Amen.


¹⁸ When the quadrennial games were being held at Tyre and the king was present, ¹⁹ the vile Jason sent envoys, chosen as being Antiochian citizens from Jerusalem, to carry three hundred silver drachmas for the sacrifice to Hercules. Those who carried the money, however, thought best not to use it for sacrifice, because that was inappropriate.²⁰ So this money was intended by the sender for the sacrifice to Hercules, but by the decision of its carriers, it was applied to the construction of triremes.


(The Second Book of Maccabees Chapter 4 verses 18 to 20)


Oh God what is invested in sin will be reaped in sin, however what is invested in goodness will also be reaped in goodness. As in the case, the primary intentions were negative and the reached end was even worse because the money which was intended to build the profane statue of Hercules was stolen or misappropriated in order to construct the ships, the triremes.


²¹ When Apollonius son of Menestheus was sent to Egypt for the coronation of Philometor as king, Antiochus learned that Philometor had become hostile to his government, and he took measures for his own security. Therefore upon arriving at Joppa he proceeded to Jerusalem. ²² He was welcomed magnificently by Jason and the city, and ushered in with a blaze of torches and with shouts. Then he marched his army into Phoenicia.


(The Second Book of Maccabees Chapter 4 verses 21 to 22)


Oh God my Father as You know there are people who give personal interest and well being a priority over the well-being of others. As humans, we have a strong tendency to be selfish. On the other hand, we need to be aware that we might aim to grow in our spiritual relationship with God on a personal level however at the same time disregarding the needs and well-being of others.


I pray oh God that my relationship with You will never be self-centred. I wish to keep on sharing these posts with others so that together we can keep on growing as one body of Christ Amen.


²³ After a period of three years Jason sent Menelaus, the brother of the previously mentioned Simon, to carry the money to the king and to complete the records of essential business. ²⁴ But he, when presented to the king, extolled him with an air of authority, and secured the high priesthood for himself, outbidding Jason by three hundred talents of silver.


(The Second Book of Maccabees Chapter 4 verses 23 to 24)


Oh God my Father the issue of power was always present in the history of the world. It has been used and abused many times. I pray for leaders who are just and transparent in their administration, who have and apply Your values during their reign or administration Amen.


²⁵After receiving the king's orders he returned, possessing no qualification for the high priesthood, but having the hot temper of a cruel tyrant and the rage of a savage wild beast.


(The Second Book of Maccabees Chapter 4 verse 25)


As You Yourself told us many times my God and Father, there are good shepherds such as Yourself and their are also impostors, who preach theology and philosophy have many good arguments but little faith and spirituality Amen.

²⁶ So Jason, who after supplanting his own brother was supplanted by another man, was driven as a fugitive into the land of Ammon.

(The Second Book of Maccabees Chapter 4 verse 26)

Oh God my Father I thank You for being our judge who acts in justice unlike human beings. I thank You for taking my situations into Your hands and turning them for my advantage in a just way, Amen.

²⁷ Although Menelaus continued to hold the office, he did not pay regularly any of the money promised to the king.

(The Second Book of Maccabees Chapter 4 verse 27)

Oh God my Father I pray that we give to You what is due to You and to the world what is due to the world. I pray that we strike a balance and not give priority to the World Amen.

²⁸ When Sostratus the captain of the citadel kept requesting payment-for the collection of the revenue was his responsibility-the two of them were summoned by the king on account of this issue.

(The Second Book of Maccabees Chapter 4 verse 28)

Oh God my Father I pray that when I am summoned to appear before You or anybody else I will be found true and reliable Amen.

²⁹ Menelaus left his own brother Lysimachus as deputy in the high priesthood, while Sostratus left Crates, the commander of the Cyprian troops.

(The Second Book of Maccabees Chapter 4 verse 29)

Oh God my Father this is a time for many changes in hierarchy both in the political sector and in the private. I pray for all the new leaders or prospective leaders to be given the gift to carry out their new roles Amen.

 

The Second Book of Maccabees Chapter 3 of 7

 

The Second Book of Maccabees

 Chapter  3

 

 

¹ While the holy city was inhabited in unbroken peace and the laws were strictly observed because of the piety of the high priest Onias and his hatred of wickedness.

 

(The Second Book of Maccabees Chapter 3 verse 1)

Oh God my Father, one good person or leader can have a ripple effect on many people of different nations. A typical example is Pope Francesco whose faith and practical ways have been admired by all in different parts of the world. I pray that You keep on using him my God and Father in order to keep on holding the necessary balance until Your come comes to change the world order as we know it by means of Your second visit Amen.


² It came about that the kings themselves honored the place and glorified the temple with the finest presents, ³ even to the extent that King Seleucus of Asia defrayed from his own revenues all the expenses connected with the service of the sacrifices.

(The Second Book of Maccabees Chapter 3 verses 2 to 3)

Oh God my Father even though there had been many protests against the building of the temple especially by certain kings who had issued the decree to have the project stopped, You brought shame on such people so much as to make such people and others donators and benefactors to the same temple and city of Jerusalem. 

Oh God my Father, You are able to change a situation that appears to be a totally negative one into a totally positive one. I thank You from my heart oh God and Father Amen.


⁴ But a man named Simon, of the tribe of Benjamin, who had been made captain of the temple, had a disagreement with the high priest about the administration of the city market.

(The Second Book of Maccabees Chapter 3 verse 4)

Oh God, my Father in such times and even during our times we make part of two kingdoms, the one on earth and the one in heaven. The Social or Civil and the Spiritual or Ecclesiastical. When one kingdom overrides the other one or maybe values are challenged such as in the case of divorce, or when religion is used as a political means such as a means of persuading people to vote for one instead of other such clashes take place. I pray that both Kingdoms keep their places and do not overstep each other's realm, however, when important issues are at stake in Your Name as a nation it is our duty to make our voices heard in a legal and acceptable way Amen. Thank You, Jesus.


⁵ Since he could not prevail over Onias, he went to Apollonius of Tarsus, who at that time was governor of Coelesyria and Phoenicia, ⁶ and reported to him that the treasury in Jerusalem was full of untold sums of money, so that the amount of funds could not be reckoned, and that they did not belong to the account of the sacrifices, but that it was possible for them to fall under the control of the king.

(The Second Book of Maccabees Chapter 3 verses 5 to 6)

Oh God, my beloved Father, today You reminded me of an important issue. When I have an issue with a person, I do not confront the person himself, but go up the ladder especially if this person is already a person possessing power. As in all cases, one would need to have one's facts at hand and then one could take the necessary action. Amen.


⁷ When Apollonius met the king, he told him of the money about which he had been informed. The king chose Heliodorus, who was in charge of his affairs, and sent him with commands to effect the removal of the reported wealth.

(The Second Book of Maccabees Chapter 3 verse 7)

Oh God my beloved Father, I pray that all the kingdoms of the world, be accountable of their income and that any surplus that is to be given to the people will be given instead of being kept in the possession of the State. Amen. I pray that You clean the world from all forms of corruption my God and Father Amen.


⁸ Heliodorus at once set out on his journey, ostensibly to make a tour of inspection of the cities of Colesyria and Phoenicia, but in fact to carry out the king's purpose.

(The Second Book of Maccabees Chapter 3 verse 8)

Oh God my beloved Father, how treacherous can the human mind be and what evil motivation can drive us to carry out certain acts. I pray that You purify both my thoughts and even my motivations and actions so that I can think and be like You Amen.



⁹ When he had arrived at Jerusalem and had been kindly welcomed by the high priest of the city, he told about the disclosure that had been made and stated why he had come, and he inquired whether this really was the situation.

(The Second Book of Maccabees Chapter 3 verse 9)

Oh God my blessed Father, by means of Heliodorus You give us a very important lesson in problems solving and communication whatever his real intentions may have been. When being acquainted with a challenging situation before acting we are to assess the situation in order to confirm if the information given to us is true or not. When all the parties have placed their cards on the table meaning all have made their intentions clear than further dialogue and assessment may take place, leading to a practical action plan and a durable solution Amen. Thank You Jesus my God and Father Amen.  


¹⁰ The high priest explained that there were some deposits belonging to widows and orphans, ¹¹ and also some money of  Hyrcanus son of Tobias, a man of very prominent position, and that it totalled in all four hundred talents of silver and two hundred of gold. To such an extent the impious Simon had misrepresented the facts.

(The Second Book of Maccabees Chapter 3 verses 10 to 11)

Oh God my Father I thank You for providing for both the rich and even the not so rich and even those who fall below the poverty line. I pray that people in power over such funds administer in a responsible way so that all may have what is due to them Amen.


¹² And he said that it was utterly impossible that wrong should be done to those people who had trusted in the holiness of the place and in the sanctity and inviolability of the temple that is honoured throughout the whole world.

(The Second Book of Maccabees Chapter 3 verses 12)

Oh God my beloved Father those who trust in You are to be treated with trust, however, on the contrary, the logic says that those who do not are to be treated likewise. However, You taught us to show love and care even to those who do not show us love and care Amen. 

¹³ But Heliodorus because of the orders he had from the king, said that this money must in any case be confiscated for the king's treasury. ¹⁴ So he set a day and went in to direct the inspection of these funds.

(The Second Book of Maccabees Chapter 3 verses 13 to 14)

Oh God my Father I pray for justice, that the poor and needy be given their devoted share and not be cheated out of what is truly their own. I pray that the people of Africa be taught how to make use of the rich resources of the land so that they can improve both on a financial level and even on a sociological level, for such people in such state of poverty still believe in You my God and Father Amen. 


¹⁵ The priests prostrated themselves before the altar in their priestly vestments and called toward heaven upon him who had given the law about deposits, that he should keep them safe for those who had deposited them.

(The Second Book of Maccabees Chapter 3 verses 15)

 

Oh brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ, when we pray to God our Father, we mention in dialogue the issues that we are praying for and not chant other people's prayers from some prayer book. God wishes to communicate with You and me and not with the author of the book who wrote that prayer. Amen, therefore He wants to listen to our version of our prayers Amen.

 

¹⁶ To see the appearance of the high priest was to be wounded at heart, for his face and the change in his color disclosed the anguish of his soul. ¹⁷ For terror and bodily trembling had come over the man, which plainly showed to those who looked at him the pain lodged in his heart.

 

(The Second Book of Maccabees Chapter 3 verses 16 to 17)

 

Oh God my Father, in the peak of my depression I was also a broken person.  Although I tried to hide my pain and anguish my outward appearance was one that conveyed the pain that I was experiencing. I pray for those who are experiencing such hard moments that they place their trust in You my God and Father. I am still experiencing this reactive depression however I am not alone. You are teaching me to place my trust in You alone and hold firmly in the prayer :-

 

"May Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven Amen!

¹⁸ People  also hurried out of their houses in crowds to make a general supplication because the holy place was about to be brought into dishonor.

(The Second Book of Maccabees Chapter 3 verse 18)

 

 Oh Brothers and Sisters I wonder how we would feel if our church or the Roman Catholic Church would face the threat of being taken over by a leader who was atheist in belief and who had threatened to bring to an end the whole institution meaning no Eucharist Celebration, no prayers, no confession. I wonder if we would experience the same feelings as the people of these times, or maybe we would conclude,

 Serves the Church right, it has become corrupt and it finally got what it was coming to it!




¹⁹ Women girded with sackcloth under their breasts, thronged the streets. Some of the young women who were kept indoors ran together to the gates, and some to the walls, while others peered out of the windows.

(The Second Book of Maccabees Chapter 3 verse 19)

 

Oh God my beloved and only Father, during such moments of stress, social practices such as those concerning the women were also put aside. I pray that concern for our faith, will also drive us to evaluate our social beliefs, traditions, trends and customs so that we remain updated to fulfill Your will Amen, instead of living in a mediocre life guided with the same principles and customs. I pray oh God my Father that You bring new life and energy to our faith Amen. 



²⁰ And holding up their hands to heaven, they all made supplication.

(The Second Book of Maccabees Chapter 3 verse 20)

 

 Oh God, my Father, the problem with today's society is chronic arthritis. We have become so accustomed to facing ahead or in a downward position that it is painful for us to look up at You in heaven or raise up one's heart and mind in a spirit of prayer thanks and worship Amen.


²¹ There was something pitiable in the prostration of the whole populace and the anxiety of the high priest in his great anguish.

(The Second Book of Maccabees Chapter 3 verse 21)

Oh God my blessed Father there is also much anguish in the state of us Christians. We are busy preparing the manger, Christmas dinners, parties and other events that the cradle of our hearts will remain empty this Christmas for we are so alienated that Christmas will arrive and go away without filling our inner emptiness. It would be just like other events or public holidays and this is a real shame. 

I pray oh God my Father, that You wake us up from our alienation this year 2018, so that Your birth can really and truly take place in our hearts and minds and souls Amen.


²² While they were calling upon the Almighty Lord that he would keep what had been entrusted safe and secure for those who had entrusted it, ²³ Heliodorus went on with what had been decided.


(The Second Book of Maccabees Chapter 3 verses 22 to 23)


Oh God my loving Father, many times I pray in earnest to You, however, Your response does not come immediately, however, this does not worry me, for Your timing is perfect and at the right time according to Your will, You have always delivered me from evil and its negative ways. I thank You, my God and Father Amen,

 

²⁴ But when he arrived at the treasury with his bodyguard, then and there the Sovereign of spirits and of all authority caused so great a manifestation that all who had been so bold as to accompany him were astounded by the power of God, and he became faint with terror.


(The Second Book of Maccabees Chapter 3 verses 24)


Oh God my Father, nobody can stand against You, You close the mouths of the proud, and humble them by Your divine presence and mighty power nobody can stand against you Amen.


²⁵ For there appeared to them a magnificently caparisoned horse, with a rider of frightening mien; it rushed furiously at Heliodorus and struck at him with its front hoofs. Its rider was seen to have armor and weapons of gold. ²⁶ Two young men also appeared to him, remarkably strong, gloriously beautiful and splendidly dressed, who stood on either side of him and flogged him continuously, inflicting many blows on him. ²⁷ When he suddenly fell to the ground and deep darkness came over him, his men took him up, put him on a stretcher, ²⁸ and carried him away-this man who had just entered the aforesaid treasury with a great retinue and all his bodyguard but was now unable to help himself. They recognized clearly the sovereign power of God.


(The Second Book of Maccabees Chapter 3 verses 25 to 28)


Oh God my Father blessed be Your mighty name, no human being can ever match You or overcome You. When You release Your power and glory nobody on earth not even the forces of evil can withstand You. I thank You for wanting me on Your side for paying the membership fee that claimed me as being Your own forever Amen.


²⁹ While he lay prostrate, speechless because of the divine intervention and deprived of any hope of recovery, ³⁰ they praised the Lord who had acted marvelously for his own place. And the temple, which a little while before was full of fear and disturbance, was filled with joy and gladness, now that the Almighty Lord had appeared.



(The Second Book of Maccabees Chapter 3 verses 29 to 30) 



Awesome and loving God, You are great and worthy to be praised. You are able to change our depressions into happiness, bondage to freedom. All is in Your control, and You can decide in Your good time according to Your plan for us, to bring about the necessary changes in our lives Amen. May Your will be done my God and Father Amen.  


³¹ Some of Heliodorus's friends quickly begged Onias to call upon the Most High to grant life to one who was lying quite at his last breath.



(The Second Book of Maccabees Chapter 3 verse 31) 


Oh God my Father how far does our faith carry us? Would we pray in faith for a person who is close to dying to You so that he would have a life again, or would we accept it as a situation that one day or other had to happen? I pray that we have a strong faith in You who can make all things new and can bring new life, even when the odds are against us.


³² So the high priest, fearing that the king might get the notion that some foul play had been perpetrated by the Jews with regard to Heliodorus, offered sacrifice for the man's recovery.



(The Second Book of Maccabees Chapter 3 verse 32) 



Oh God my Father why do we pray out of fear instead of the result of faith? I wonder why we need to experience a trauma or negative experience in order to offer our prayers to You and furthermore we are still burdened by doubt and insecurity? Why are we not able to place our trust totally in You my God and Father? I pray for our healing Amen. 




³³ While the high priest was making atonement, the same young men appeared again to Heliodorus dressed in the same clothing, and they stood and said, "Be very greatful to the high priest Onias, since for his sake the Lord has granted you your life. ³⁴ And see that you who have been flogged by heaven, report to all people the majestic power of God". Having said this they vanished.


(The Second Book of Maccabees Chapter 3 verse 33 to 34) 



Oh God my Father in contrast to the flogging of the world that is like a Roman Flagrum that rips to the bone as do our tongues, Your flogging is loving and caring from which we learn to change our ways. I pray that we all preach to others Your love even if this meant having to experience the ups and downs of life Amen.


³⁵ Then Heliodorus offered sacrifice to the Lord and made very great vows to the Savior of his life, and having bidden Onias farewell, he marched off with his forces to the king.


(The Second Book of Maccabees Chapter 3 verse 35)


Oh God my Father the second Heliodorus meaning the person going back to the king as a failure of his mission must have been a happier one than that when he embarked on his deadly mission against Your people. I thank You God for choosing situations by which Your reach and touch our hearts Amen. 


³⁶ He bore testimony to all concerning the deeds of the supreme God, which he had seen with his own eyes.


(The Second Book of Maccabees Chapter 3 verse 36)


Oh God my Father, I pray that we all become living testimonies of the works that You do in us and by means of us Amen.


³⁷ When the king asked Heliodorus what sort of person would be suitable to send on another mission to Jerusalem, he replied, ³⁸ "If you have any enemy or plotter against your government, send him there, for you will get him back thoroughly flogged, if he survives at all; for there is certainly some power of God about the place.


(The Second Book of Maccabees Chapter 3 verses 37 to 38)


Oh God my Father, nobody is able to bear the might and power of Your presence and glory. Only people who have experienced Your presence can make such a declaration. I am happy to have also made the experience of Your presence Amen and I will treasure if forever in my heart and mind Amen.

³⁹ For he who has his dwelling in heaven watches over that place himself and brings it aid, and he strikes and destroys those who come to do it injury." ⁴⁰ This was the outcome of the episode of Heliodorus and the protection of the treasury.


(The Second Book of Maccabees Chapter 3 verses 39 to 40)


Oh God my Father, what an awesome avenger I have. I thank You for Your holistic protection. You are like a firewall on a computer that is always protecting the system Amen.


I would like to end this meditation on the third chapter of the second book of the Maccabees with the following prayer:-


Oh God my Father I pray for the protection of vulnerable people who are experiencing war and oppression. I pray for those who have been forced to leave their country of origin. I pray that You accompany them during their way to safety Amen. I also pray that You also protect us from the forces of evil that stop at nothing to cause us to go against You Amen. I pray for those people who are for some reason against me that they may be healed and forgiven Amen.