Scripture Reflection, November 11: The Traditionally Printed Word

Scripture Readings:
2 Maccabees 7:1-2, 9-14
Psalm 17
2 Thessalonians 2:16-3:5
Luke 20:27-38

Clearly a product of my generation, I normally read the weekly Sunday scriptures online. When I was having trouble accessing the US Conference of Catholic Bishop’s website for the readings, I went for the traditionally printed form of the Bible. After reorienting myself with the sequence of the books, I found the passages and decided to read the omitted verses. It is common for our daily scriptures to highlight specific verses that concisely give the point of the reading or Gospel. However, reading the omitted verses filled out the rest of the story this time, especially for the Old Testament reading, and provided for a personal insight that might not have come.

In the first reading we learn how a mother and her seven sons were severely tortured to death by a wicked king for refusing to eat pork and violate God’s law. The sons, who are murdered one by one in front of one another, repeatedly gave witness to their belief in life after death. "You accursed fiend, you are depriving us of this present life, but the King of the world will raise us up to live again forever. It is for his laws that we are dying." The omitted verses are graphic, gruesome and infuriating. I was appalled at the wickedness of the king’s actions and motivations, and I immediately passed judgment on all people who could be capable of such heinous acts. I recalled the debate regarding the use of torture in the fight against terrorism, and it sickened me that people would have to endure such pain and torture. I was disgusted that people would allow such interrogation methods to happen. As I continued mulling over this thought, my understanding of the resurrection of Jesus deepened. I realized that Jesus came to save sinners, not the self-righteous.

The important points of the story and the rest of the readings for this Sunday are not about torture, but that there is life after death and that Jesus fulfills the promise of God’s salvation to all. Jesus did not come to save only the people who perfectly follow God’s laws, but sinners too. He stayed at the home of Zacchaeus, the tax collector, his feet were washed by a sinful woman, and he healed the ear of the soldier who arrested him. I realized when I was justifying my anger to myself about my government allowing torture tactics to be used that I am part of the problem, like it or not. I am a citizen in a country that condones torture. A perfect example of collective sin. The people who personally commit these acts of violence are not alone—all of us in this world who allow terror and torture through acceptance or inaction are complicit in the sin. Thankfully our God is merciful.

November is a time for remembering the saints (and sinners) who have gone before us. They too struggled with how they were to remain faithful to the Gospel when living in this complex world. Respecting the dignity of human life is the utmost important principle of our faith tradition. The lives of saints are full of stories of personal sin and tragedy, as well as acts of honor and courage. Our saints—both canonized and not—are wonderful role models for us as we decide how we will live out and pay witness to this Christian principle. Let us be thankful for them and for a forgiving and loving God.

JoEllen Windau