First Book of Maccabees
Chapter 1
1. After Alexander son of Philip, the Macedonian, who came from the land of Kittim, had defeated King Darius of the Persians and the Medes, he succeeded him as king. (He had previously become king of Greece.) 2. He fought many battles, conquered strongholds, and put to death the kings of the earth. 3. He advanced to the ends of the earth, and plundered many nations. When the earth became quiet before him, he was exalted, and his heart was lifted up. 4. He gathered a very strong army and ruled over countries, nations, and princes, and they became tributary to him.
(First Book of Maccabees Chapter 1 verses 1 to 4)
Oh God my Father as humans we are inclined to gain more and more power, even in our inner circles. Every one of us has our areas of territory which if possible we defend with all our resources. The housewife, has her dominion in the home or household. She dictates the home rules especially in the areas of sanitation and order and many more. The husband is dominant on the upkeep and cleanliness of the owned vehicles and establishes rules such as nobody is allowed to eat in the car in order to keep it clean. The children in their limitations also try to gain power which increases when they grow up. The cat miaows when hungry and also insists on eating here and now and will cause a racket if it is not fed when it desires. I pray that we love and respect each other rather than seeking power and domination over others Amen.
5. After this he fell sick and perceived that he was dying. 6. So he summoned his most honored officers who had been brought up with him from youth, and divided his kingdom among them while he was still alive. 7. And after Alexander had reigned twelve years, he died.
(First book of Maccabees Chapter 1 verses 5 to 7)
Oh God after having spent twelve years of killing people and feeling proud of it, because this made him more and more popular and powerful in his own eyes and in the eyes of his enemies, the consequences came all back to Alexander. He himself was to experience a sample of the pain that he had caused others to suffer leading to his own death. I would like to share with you the experience of a doctor who performed abortions. This moving experience reflects the traumas experienced by this same doctor that in time changed his attitude from one of a 'pro-abortionist' to one in favour of saving the baby by permitting it to be delivered against all odds. Amen
An interview with Doctor Levantino an ex Pro Abortionist
8. Then his officers began to rule, each in his own place. 9. They all put on crowns after his death, and so did their descendants after them for many years; and they caused many evils on the earth.
(The First book of Maccabees Chapter 1 verses 8 to 9)
Oh God my Father it seems that evil breeds more evil and the circle is rarely broken if not for Your intervention. At times the situation seems to give us the impression that the situation will improve but at times sons perform in a more degrading way than there fathers Amen.
10. From them came forth a sinful root, Antiochus Epiphanes, son of King Antiochus; he had been a hostage in Rome. He began to reign in the one hundred thirty-seventh year of the kingdom of the Greeks.
(The First Book of Maccabees Chapter 1 verse 10)
Oh God my Father goodness flows from goodness and evil flows from evil. It seems that in the case of Epiphanes this was the case. I pray oh God that we will always be a channel of goodness and not one of evil Amen.
11. In those days certain renegades came out from Israel and misled many, saying,"Let us go and make a covenant with the Gentiles around us, for since we separated from them many disasters have come upon us."
(The First Book of Maccabees Chapter 1 verse 11)
Oh God my Father at times instead of placing our faith in You, we prefer to refer to supernatural means such as fortune tellers or people whom we refer to as being of good fortune, or born under a lucky star, or even fortune tellers themselves. Oh how misleading we are when we refer to such negative means instead of referring to You my God and Father. Amen
12. This proposal pleased them, 13. and some of the people eagerly went to the king, who authorised them to observe the ordinances of the Gentiles. 14. So they built a gymnasium, according to Gentile custom, 15. and removed the marks of circumcision, and abandoned the holy covenant. They joined with the Gentiles and sold themselves to do evil.
(The First Book of Maccabees Chapter 1 verses 12 to 15)
Oh God my Father it comes so easy for us to divorce You and Your ways in order to follow the ways of the world. We are so prone and weak and end up confirming to the ways of the world, instead of judging its ways with good and honest behaviour in order to set a good example Amen.
16. When Antiochus saw that his kingdom was established, he determined to become king of the land of Egypt, in order that he might reign over both kingdoms.
(The First Book of Maccabees Chapter 1 verse 16)
Oh God my Father, the drive for power makes us desire more power, up to the point where we think we are and have the supreme power and we start playing the role of God, which is a role that as humans we may never have. It is only the evil spirit of Satan that persuades us to be as powerful as You because, he wants us to try to achieve a goal on earth that he can never accomplish.
17. So he invaded Egypt with a strong force, with chariots and elephants and cavalry and with a large fleet. 18. He engaged King Ptolemy of Egypt in battle, and Ptolemy turned and fled before him, and many were wounded and fell. 19. They captured the fortified cities in the land of Egypt, and he plundered the land of Egypt.
(The First Book of Maccabees Chapter 1 verses 17 to 19)
Oh God my Father as did Antiochus fight such mighty battles that caused his enemies to flee before him, so do You fight such battles against the forces of evil, so much that the evil spirits cannot stand in Your presence, so much that You ordered them to go out of the possessed persons and they had to obey and leave Amen.
(First book of Maccabees Chapter 1 verses 5 to 7)
Oh God after having spent twelve years of killing people and feeling proud of it, because this made him more and more popular and powerful in his own eyes and in the eyes of his enemies, the consequences came all back to Alexander. He himself was to experience a sample of the pain that he had caused others to suffer leading to his own death. I would like to share with you the experience of a doctor who performed abortions. This moving experience reflects the traumas experienced by this same doctor that in time changed his attitude from one of a 'pro-abortionist' to one in favour of saving the baby by permitting it to be delivered against all odds. Amen
An interview with Doctor Levantino an ex Pro Abortionist
8. Then his officers began to rule, each in his own place. 9. They all put on crowns after his death, and so did their descendants after them for many years; and they caused many evils on the earth.
(The First book of Maccabees Chapter 1 verses 8 to 9)
Oh God my Father it seems that evil breeds more evil and the circle is rarely broken if not for Your intervention. At times the situation seems to give us the impression that the situation will improve but at times sons perform in a more degrading way than there fathers Amen.
10. From them came forth a sinful root, Antiochus Epiphanes, son of King Antiochus; he had been a hostage in Rome. He began to reign in the one hundred thirty-seventh year of the kingdom of the Greeks.
(The First Book of Maccabees Chapter 1 verse 10)
Oh God my Father goodness flows from goodness and evil flows from evil. It seems that in the case of Epiphanes this was the case. I pray oh God that we will always be a channel of goodness and not one of evil Amen.
11. In those days certain renegades came out from Israel and misled many, saying,"Let us go and make a covenant with the Gentiles around us, for since we separated from them many disasters have come upon us."
(The First Book of Maccabees Chapter 1 verse 11)
Oh God my Father at times instead of placing our faith in You, we prefer to refer to supernatural means such as fortune tellers or people whom we refer to as being of good fortune, or born under a lucky star, or even fortune tellers themselves. Oh how misleading we are when we refer to such negative means instead of referring to You my God and Father. Amen
12. This proposal pleased them, 13. and some of the people eagerly went to the king, who authorised them to observe the ordinances of the Gentiles. 14. So they built a gymnasium, according to Gentile custom, 15. and removed the marks of circumcision, and abandoned the holy covenant. They joined with the Gentiles and sold themselves to do evil.
(The First Book of Maccabees Chapter 1 verses 12 to 15)
Oh God my Father it comes so easy for us to divorce You and Your ways in order to follow the ways of the world. We are so prone and weak and end up confirming to the ways of the world, instead of judging its ways with good and honest behaviour in order to set a good example Amen.
16. When Antiochus saw that his kingdom was established, he determined to become king of the land of Egypt, in order that he might reign over both kingdoms.
(The First Book of Maccabees Chapter 1 verse 16)
Oh God my Father, the drive for power makes us desire more power, up to the point where we think we are and have the supreme power and we start playing the role of God, which is a role that as humans we may never have. It is only the evil spirit of Satan that persuades us to be as powerful as You because, he wants us to try to achieve a goal on earth that he can never accomplish.
17. So he invaded Egypt with a strong force, with chariots and elephants and cavalry and with a large fleet. 18. He engaged King Ptolemy of Egypt in battle, and Ptolemy turned and fled before him, and many were wounded and fell. 19. They captured the fortified cities in the land of Egypt, and he plundered the land of Egypt.
(The First Book of Maccabees Chapter 1 verses 17 to 19)
Oh God my Father as did Antiochus fight such mighty battles that caused his enemies to flee before him, so do You fight such battles against the forces of evil, so much that the evil spirits cannot stand in Your presence, so much that You ordered them to go out of the possessed persons and they had to obey and leave Amen.
20. After subduing Egypt, Antiochus returned in the one hundred forty-third year. He went up against Israel and came to Jerusalem with a strong force.
(The First Book of Maccabees Chapter 1 verse 20)
Oh God my Father after all those years Antiochus had held such anger and grudge against Your people. I pray for such people who may have been hurt for such a long time and end up not being able to love You others or even themselves. I pray for our healing Amen.
21. He arrogantly entered the sanctuary and took the golden altar, the lampstand for the light, and all its utensils. 22. He took also the table for the bread of the Presence, the cups for drink offerings, the bowls, the golden censers, the curtain, the crowns and the gold decoration on the front of the temple; he stripped it all off. 23. He took the silver and the gold, and the costly vessels; he took also the hidden treasures that he found. 24. Taking them all, he went into his own land.
(The First Book of Maccabees Chapter 1 verses 21 to 24)
Oh God my Father the face of arrogance has no limits or values. When Satan takes possession of someone there are no limits to what that person can do or plan to do, for that person is empowered by evil. I pray oh God that You deliver us from such moments of temptation even if we are pushed to the limits. We are to keep in mind that You oh God my Father are always with us Amen.
25. Israel mourned deeply in every community, 26. rulers and elders groaned, young women and young men became faint, the beauty of the women faded. 27. Every bridegroom took up the lament; she who sat in the bridal chamber was mourning. 28. Even the land trembled for its inhabitants, and all the house of Jacob was clothed with shame.
(The First Book of Maccabees Chapter 1 verses 25 to 28)
Oh God I pray that we share the sorrows of others, and even the joy, I also pray that as members of the same body what other members do whether positive or negative leaves an impact on us. The shame of the sins of other members of Your people was greatly experienced by other members of Your people, even though they had not themselves committed the offence against You. Likewise, when cases of child abuse by Priests are reported we are to carry on ourselves the shame that such people have brought upon the Roman Catholic Church as a whole and not come all out in judgement against them even though their actions we could never accept. Amen
29. Two years later the king sent to the cities of Judah a chief collector of tribute, and he came to Jerusalem with a large force.
(The First Book of Maccabees Chapter 1 verse 29)
Oh God my Father, one day You will also come back to earth in force might and grandeur in order to settle the books with us, and I pray that You will find me worthy of entering Your presence Amen. Thank You God for loving me and for giving me a second third and even fourth chance to change my ways Amen.
30. Deceitfully he spoke peaceable words to them, and they believed him; but he suddenly fell upon the city, dealt it a severe blow, and destroyed many people of Israel. 31. He plundered the city, burned it with fire, and tore down its houses and its surrounding walls. 32. They took captive the women and children, and seized the livestock.
(The First Book of Maccabees Chapter 1 verses 30 to 32)
Oh God my Father, I pray for all world rulers, and their subjects. I pray that such people do not abuse their authority but seek the well-being of the citizens entrusted to them or who have given their consent to have them in power by means of a democratic election or at times by means of power.
I also pray for married couples or even others who are still courting in relationships that they also be true and faithful to their promises and not violate Your will and their vows after some time in marriage and end up destroying the family both spiritually and even psychologically. I pray for my family which is one of such families. Amen. Place Your loving arms around us oh God my Father and protect us from the forces of evil that never stop creating problems and stress in order to see us in confrontation, with each other Amen.
33. Then they fortified the city of David with a great strong wall and strong towers, and became their citadel.
(The First Book of Maccabees Chapter 1 verse 33)
Oh God my Father I pray that as Roman Catholics we have not done the same thing! Instead of having built the temple of Jerusalem we have built the City of the Vatican with all its riches and trappings and secret rooms. This indeed has become a citadel. However the question arises, when You God became human You lived in humility. You always taught us that palaces and cities are only for the kings of this world, and surely the pope who represents You is no king, even though he may be treated like one in his own domain. When I see the Vatican and all its riches I think of many people who are homeless or living in open centres occupying rooms with limited space, I see this as being a sharp unchristian contrast which if You were physically present You would surely not permit.
34. They stationed there a sinful people. men who were renegades. These strengthened their position; 35. they stored up arms and food, and collecting the spoils of Jerusalem they stored them there and became a great menace.
(The First Book of Maccabees Chapter 1 verses 34 to 35)
Oh God, my Father, the Roman Catholic Church consists of both holy persons and sinners. Throughout the years we have also accumulated the knowledge and values of the Good News and also the traditions of Your people. I pray that those responsible use that store of graces and resources in a way that is helpful to all believers Amen.
36. for the citadel became an ambush against the sanctuary, an evil adversary of Israel at all times.
(The First Book of Maccabees Chapter 1 verse 36)
Oh God my Father the fight between the forces of good and the forces of evil is constant, meaning never ending for certain forces are within us and certain forces are all around us. I pray oh God my Father that You help us in defending the citadel of our souls from being corrupted by the ways of the world Amen.
37. On every side of the sanctuary they shed innocent blood; they even defiled the sanctuary.
(The First Book of Maccabees Chapter 1 verse 37)
Oh God, my Father whenever we come to receive You without being sincerely prepared to do so it is as if we are contaminating the sanctuary. I pray that we be fully prepared Amen.
38. Because of them the residents of Jerusalem fled; she became a dwelling of strangers; she became strange to her offspring, and her children forsook her.
(The First Book of Maccabees Chapter 1 verse 38)
Oh God my Father, many people had to leave their hometowns in order to seek refuge because their lives were at risk. Many nations are crying because their sons and daughters had to leave the land in search of a better future. I join such nations in prayer, for this is something that is unacceptable. Locals become foreigners and in turn other foreigners take the places of the locals.
39. Her sanctuary became desolate like a desert; her feasts were turned into mourning, her sabbaths into a reproach, her honor into contempt.
(The First Book of Maccabees Chapter 1 verse 39)
Oh God my Father on reflecting it has become the same situation in the Roman Catholic Church. The lack in people who are attending mass and are going for confession is increasing. Apart from the festive seasons many Churches are becoming empty, Feasts are becoming detestable especially village feasts that at times end up as being a golden opportunity for a person to end up stone drunk. Many are becoming cold to the Church, however they still state that they believe in You. Amen.
40. Her dishonor now grew as great as her glory; her exaltation was turned into mourning.
(The First Book of Maccabees Chapter 1 verse 40)
Throughout the years the Roman Catholic Church especially in Malta, had been associated with a political party and many had been negatively affected by this so much that many had abstained from remaining believers. Oh God I pray that we learn from such times that we are to focus our energy on what is Yours and not is on the ways of the world. Amen. The Church is composed of both holy people and sinners such as myself, if this were not so I would not have a place in it. I pray for forgiveness for all the negative acts committed in the course of time by members of the Roman Catholic Church who may have acted under a good premise and may have had no intention of causing harm, however, the evil one may have used such situations in order to harm the Church Amen.
⁴¹ Then the king wrote to his whole kingdom that all should be one people, ⁴² and that all should give up their particular customs.
(The First Book of Maccabees Chapter 1 verses 41 to 42)
Oh God my beloved Father, I thank You for loving me as I am, but this does not mean that I cannot close the doors to change. I pray for the strength given by You to improve those areas of my life, that are already strong, and more those areas that are still weak, so that I can be a good tool at Your disposal Amen.
⁴³ All the Gentiles accepted the command of the king. Many even from Israel gladly adopted his religion; they sacrificed to Idols and profaned the sabbath.
(The First Book of Maccabees Chapter 1 verses 43)
Oh God my Father, how unreliable we are as humans. Given a situation of life or death, Your people and those among them chose to profane Your name by offering sacrifices to false gods. Many times we end up doing the same. If we do not get our ways with You we go to the lawyer or the psychologist until we find somebody who is willing to help us get our way as in the case of little children, who keep on asking, their mothers, father and even grandparents if necessary. Oh God my beloved Father I pray that I grow up and become more mature in my relationship with You Amen.
⁴⁴ And the king sent letters by messengers to Jerusalem and the towns of Judah; he directed them to follow customs strange to the land, ⁴⁵ to forbid burnt offerings and sacrifices and drink offerings in the sanctuary, to profane sabbaths and festivals, ⁴⁶ to defile the sanctuary and the priests, ⁴⁷ to build altars and sacred precincts and shrines for idols, to sacrifice swine and other unclean animals, ⁴⁸ and to leave their sons uncircumcised. They were to make themselves abominable by everything unclean and profane, ⁴⁹ so that they would forget the law and change all the ordinances. ⁵⁰ He added, "And whoever does not obey the command of the king shall die."
(The First Book of Maccabees Chapter 1 verses 44 to 50)
Oh God my Father, the pen is mightier than the sword! It is by means of a letter that the separation procedures will begin, marking the beginning of a new chapter in my life. I am aware that the consequences are going to be tough, as will the adaptation to the new form of lifestyle, however You know what I am experiencing both physically, spiritually and psychologically and it is not fair on either myself or the rest of my family to continue living such a lifestyle Amen. I pray for Your support and mercy, for after the letter is received all hell is going to break lose.
⁵¹ In such words he wrote to his whole kingdom. He appointed inspectors over all the people and commanded the towns of Judah to offer sacrifice, town by town. ⁵² Many of the people, everyone who forsook the law, joined them, and they did evil in the land; ⁵³ they drove Israel into hiding in every place of refuge they had.
(The First Book of Maccabees Chapter 1 verses 51 to 53)
Oh God my Father, the lands of refuge that Israel had planned for others to make use of were to be used as shelter for themselves. I can only imagine if the open centers around the world that were planned to cater for Asylum Seekers would end up catering for Christians and Roman Catholics who would be fleeing due to persecution because of their faith. Although this may appear to be a wild idea oh God my Father, it could may well be the future Amen. I pray for all world leaders so that You help them make good choices that do not violate human rights and do not place others in a state of non dignity Amen.
⁵⁴ Now on the fifteenth day of Chislev, in the one hundred forty-fifth year, they erected a desolating sacrilege on the altar of burnt offering. They also built altars in the surrounding towns of Judah, ⁵⁵ and offered incense st the doors of the houses and in the streets.
(The First Book of Maccabees Chapter 1 verses 54 to 55)
Oh God my Father, the things that we do in order to save our skin and life is unimaginable. Your sons and daughters who were so close to you committed profane acts in order to seek the favour of the king and his supervisors. In order to be accepted by others my God and Father we may also tend to say untruths about You. I pray that I never sink to that level Amen.
⁵⁶ The books of the law that they found they tore to pieces and burned with fire. ⁵⁷ Anyone found possessing the book of the covenant, or anyone who adhered to the law, was condemned to death by decree of the king.
(The First Book of Maccabees Chapter 1 verses 56 to 57)
Oh God my beloved Father, if anyone was to take my bible or burn it, they would not stop me from giving praise and worship, for the words and examples are so deeply embedded in my heart and soul that I can never forget them Amen. The Bible or Good News are alive in me Amen.
⁵⁸ They kept using violence against Israel, against those who were found month after month in the towns.
(The First Book of Maccabees Chapter 1 verse 58)
Oh God my beloved Father I pray for such people who are experiencing spiritual or physical torture or other forms of abuse, so much that their lives are constantly at risk. I pray that You continue to give them the faith and the courage to keep on believing even when experiencing such challenging conditions Amen.
⁵⁹ On the twenty-fifth day of the month they offered sacrifice on the altar that was on top of the altar of the burnt offering. ⁶⁰ According to the decree, they put to death the women who had their children circumcised, ⁶¹ and their families and those who circumcised them, and they hung the infants from their mother's necks. ⁶² But many in Israel stood firm and were resolved in their hearts not to eat unclean food. ⁶³ They chose to die rather than to be defiled by food or to profane the holy covenant; and they did die. ⁶⁴ Very great wrath came upon Israel.
(The First Book of Maccabees Chapter 1 verses 59 to 64)
Oh God my Father I can only imagine how hard and traumatic it had been to obey such a decree, especially for the mothers who had to witness the death of their young ones from their own necks. On the other hand I admire those who were strong in their faith in You and preferred to die than to obey the King's decree.
Oh God my beloved Father I pray for many people who are forced to perform acts against their own will that go against their faith and their values. Give them and us, strength oh God my Father that even on to the point of death we will still remain firm in our love and belief in you. Amen thank You Jesus.
(The First Book of Maccabees Chapter 1 verse 20)
Oh God my Father after all those years Antiochus had held such anger and grudge against Your people. I pray for such people who may have been hurt for such a long time and end up not being able to love You others or even themselves. I pray for our healing Amen.
21. He arrogantly entered the sanctuary and took the golden altar, the lampstand for the light, and all its utensils. 22. He took also the table for the bread of the Presence, the cups for drink offerings, the bowls, the golden censers, the curtain, the crowns and the gold decoration on the front of the temple; he stripped it all off. 23. He took the silver and the gold, and the costly vessels; he took also the hidden treasures that he found. 24. Taking them all, he went into his own land.
(The First Book of Maccabees Chapter 1 verses 21 to 24)
Oh God my Father the face of arrogance has no limits or values. When Satan takes possession of someone there are no limits to what that person can do or plan to do, for that person is empowered by evil. I pray oh God that You deliver us from such moments of temptation even if we are pushed to the limits. We are to keep in mind that You oh God my Father are always with us Amen.
25. Israel mourned deeply in every community, 26. rulers and elders groaned, young women and young men became faint, the beauty of the women faded. 27. Every bridegroom took up the lament; she who sat in the bridal chamber was mourning. 28. Even the land trembled for its inhabitants, and all the house of Jacob was clothed with shame.
(The First Book of Maccabees Chapter 1 verses 25 to 28)
Oh God I pray that we share the sorrows of others, and even the joy, I also pray that as members of the same body what other members do whether positive or negative leaves an impact on us. The shame of the sins of other members of Your people was greatly experienced by other members of Your people, even though they had not themselves committed the offence against You. Likewise, when cases of child abuse by Priests are reported we are to carry on ourselves the shame that such people have brought upon the Roman Catholic Church as a whole and not come all out in judgement against them even though their actions we could never accept. Amen
29. Two years later the king sent to the cities of Judah a chief collector of tribute, and he came to Jerusalem with a large force.
(The First Book of Maccabees Chapter 1 verse 29)
Oh God my Father, one day You will also come back to earth in force might and grandeur in order to settle the books with us, and I pray that You will find me worthy of entering Your presence Amen. Thank You God for loving me and for giving me a second third and even fourth chance to change my ways Amen.
30. Deceitfully he spoke peaceable words to them, and they believed him; but he suddenly fell upon the city, dealt it a severe blow, and destroyed many people of Israel. 31. He plundered the city, burned it with fire, and tore down its houses and its surrounding walls. 32. They took captive the women and children, and seized the livestock.
(The First Book of Maccabees Chapter 1 verses 30 to 32)
Oh God my Father, I pray for all world rulers, and their subjects. I pray that such people do not abuse their authority but seek the well-being of the citizens entrusted to them or who have given their consent to have them in power by means of a democratic election or at times by means of power.
I also pray for married couples or even others who are still courting in relationships that they also be true and faithful to their promises and not violate Your will and their vows after some time in marriage and end up destroying the family both spiritually and even psychologically. I pray for my family which is one of such families. Amen. Place Your loving arms around us oh God my Father and protect us from the forces of evil that never stop creating problems and stress in order to see us in confrontation, with each other Amen.
33. Then they fortified the city of David with a great strong wall and strong towers, and became their citadel.
(The First Book of Maccabees Chapter 1 verse 33)
Oh God my Father I pray that as Roman Catholics we have not done the same thing! Instead of having built the temple of Jerusalem we have built the City of the Vatican with all its riches and trappings and secret rooms. This indeed has become a citadel. However the question arises, when You God became human You lived in humility. You always taught us that palaces and cities are only for the kings of this world, and surely the pope who represents You is no king, even though he may be treated like one in his own domain. When I see the Vatican and all its riches I think of many people who are homeless or living in open centres occupying rooms with limited space, I see this as being a sharp unchristian contrast which if You were physically present You would surely not permit.
34. They stationed there a sinful people. men who were renegades. These strengthened their position; 35. they stored up arms and food, and collecting the spoils of Jerusalem they stored them there and became a great menace.
(The First Book of Maccabees Chapter 1 verses 34 to 35)
Oh God, my Father, the Roman Catholic Church consists of both holy persons and sinners. Throughout the years we have also accumulated the knowledge and values of the Good News and also the traditions of Your people. I pray that those responsible use that store of graces and resources in a way that is helpful to all believers Amen.
36. for the citadel became an ambush against the sanctuary, an evil adversary of Israel at all times.
(The First Book of Maccabees Chapter 1 verse 36)
Oh God my Father the fight between the forces of good and the forces of evil is constant, meaning never ending for certain forces are within us and certain forces are all around us. I pray oh God my Father that You help us in defending the citadel of our souls from being corrupted by the ways of the world Amen.
37. On every side of the sanctuary they shed innocent blood; they even defiled the sanctuary.
(The First Book of Maccabees Chapter 1 verse 37)
Oh God, my Father whenever we come to receive You without being sincerely prepared to do so it is as if we are contaminating the sanctuary. I pray that we be fully prepared Amen.
38. Because of them the residents of Jerusalem fled; she became a dwelling of strangers; she became strange to her offspring, and her children forsook her.
(The First Book of Maccabees Chapter 1 verse 38)
Oh God my Father, many people had to leave their hometowns in order to seek refuge because their lives were at risk. Many nations are crying because their sons and daughters had to leave the land in search of a better future. I join such nations in prayer, for this is something that is unacceptable. Locals become foreigners and in turn other foreigners take the places of the locals.
39. Her sanctuary became desolate like a desert; her feasts were turned into mourning, her sabbaths into a reproach, her honor into contempt.
(The First Book of Maccabees Chapter 1 verse 39)
Oh God my Father on reflecting it has become the same situation in the Roman Catholic Church. The lack in people who are attending mass and are going for confession is increasing. Apart from the festive seasons many Churches are becoming empty, Feasts are becoming detestable especially village feasts that at times end up as being a golden opportunity for a person to end up stone drunk. Many are becoming cold to the Church, however they still state that they believe in You. Amen.
40. Her dishonor now grew as great as her glory; her exaltation was turned into mourning.
(The First Book of Maccabees Chapter 1 verse 40)
Throughout the years the Roman Catholic Church especially in Malta, had been associated with a political party and many had been negatively affected by this so much that many had abstained from remaining believers. Oh God I pray that we learn from such times that we are to focus our energy on what is Yours and not is on the ways of the world. Amen. The Church is composed of both holy people and sinners such as myself, if this were not so I would not have a place in it. I pray for forgiveness for all the negative acts committed in the course of time by members of the Roman Catholic Church who may have acted under a good premise and may have had no intention of causing harm, however, the evil one may have used such situations in order to harm the Church Amen.
⁴¹ Then the king wrote to his whole kingdom that all should be one people, ⁴² and that all should give up their particular customs.
(The First Book of Maccabees Chapter 1 verses 41 to 42)
Oh God my beloved Father, I thank You for loving me as I am, but this does not mean that I cannot close the doors to change. I pray for the strength given by You to improve those areas of my life, that are already strong, and more those areas that are still weak, so that I can be a good tool at Your disposal Amen.
⁴³ All the Gentiles accepted the command of the king. Many even from Israel gladly adopted his religion; they sacrificed to Idols and profaned the sabbath.
(The First Book of Maccabees Chapter 1 verses 43)
Oh God my Father, how unreliable we are as humans. Given a situation of life or death, Your people and those among them chose to profane Your name by offering sacrifices to false gods. Many times we end up doing the same. If we do not get our ways with You we go to the lawyer or the psychologist until we find somebody who is willing to help us get our way as in the case of little children, who keep on asking, their mothers, father and even grandparents if necessary. Oh God my beloved Father I pray that I grow up and become more mature in my relationship with You Amen.
⁴⁴ And the king sent letters by messengers to Jerusalem and the towns of Judah; he directed them to follow customs strange to the land, ⁴⁵ to forbid burnt offerings and sacrifices and drink offerings in the sanctuary, to profane sabbaths and festivals, ⁴⁶ to defile the sanctuary and the priests, ⁴⁷ to build altars and sacred precincts and shrines for idols, to sacrifice swine and other unclean animals, ⁴⁸ and to leave their sons uncircumcised. They were to make themselves abominable by everything unclean and profane, ⁴⁹ so that they would forget the law and change all the ordinances. ⁵⁰ He added, "And whoever does not obey the command of the king shall die."
(The First Book of Maccabees Chapter 1 verses 44 to 50)
Oh God my Father, the pen is mightier than the sword! It is by means of a letter that the separation procedures will begin, marking the beginning of a new chapter in my life. I am aware that the consequences are going to be tough, as will the adaptation to the new form of lifestyle, however You know what I am experiencing both physically, spiritually and psychologically and it is not fair on either myself or the rest of my family to continue living such a lifestyle Amen. I pray for Your support and mercy, for after the letter is received all hell is going to break lose.
⁵¹ In such words he wrote to his whole kingdom. He appointed inspectors over all the people and commanded the towns of Judah to offer sacrifice, town by town. ⁵² Many of the people, everyone who forsook the law, joined them, and they did evil in the land; ⁵³ they drove Israel into hiding in every place of refuge they had.
(The First Book of Maccabees Chapter 1 verses 51 to 53)
Oh God my Father, the lands of refuge that Israel had planned for others to make use of were to be used as shelter for themselves. I can only imagine if the open centers around the world that were planned to cater for Asylum Seekers would end up catering for Christians and Roman Catholics who would be fleeing due to persecution because of their faith. Although this may appear to be a wild idea oh God my Father, it could may well be the future Amen. I pray for all world leaders so that You help them make good choices that do not violate human rights and do not place others in a state of non dignity Amen.
⁵⁴ Now on the fifteenth day of Chislev, in the one hundred forty-fifth year, they erected a desolating sacrilege on the altar of burnt offering. They also built altars in the surrounding towns of Judah, ⁵⁵ and offered incense st the doors of the houses and in the streets.
(The First Book of Maccabees Chapter 1 verses 54 to 55)
Oh God my Father, the things that we do in order to save our skin and life is unimaginable. Your sons and daughters who were so close to you committed profane acts in order to seek the favour of the king and his supervisors. In order to be accepted by others my God and Father we may also tend to say untruths about You. I pray that I never sink to that level Amen.
⁵⁶ The books of the law that they found they tore to pieces and burned with fire. ⁵⁷ Anyone found possessing the book of the covenant, or anyone who adhered to the law, was condemned to death by decree of the king.
(The First Book of Maccabees Chapter 1 verses 56 to 57)
Oh God my beloved Father, if anyone was to take my bible or burn it, they would not stop me from giving praise and worship, for the words and examples are so deeply embedded in my heart and soul that I can never forget them Amen. The Bible or Good News are alive in me Amen.
⁵⁸ They kept using violence against Israel, against those who were found month after month in the towns.
(The First Book of Maccabees Chapter 1 verse 58)
Oh God my beloved Father I pray for such people who are experiencing spiritual or physical torture or other forms of abuse, so much that their lives are constantly at risk. I pray that You continue to give them the faith and the courage to keep on believing even when experiencing such challenging conditions Amen.
⁵⁹ On the twenty-fifth day of the month they offered sacrifice on the altar that was on top of the altar of the burnt offering. ⁶⁰ According to the decree, they put to death the women who had their children circumcised, ⁶¹ and their families and those who circumcised them, and they hung the infants from their mother's necks. ⁶² But many in Israel stood firm and were resolved in their hearts not to eat unclean food. ⁶³ They chose to die rather than to be defiled by food or to profane the holy covenant; and they did die. ⁶⁴ Very great wrath came upon Israel.
(The First Book of Maccabees Chapter 1 verses 59 to 64)
Oh God my Father I can only imagine how hard and traumatic it had been to obey such a decree, especially for the mothers who had to witness the death of their young ones from their own necks. On the other hand I admire those who were strong in their faith in You and preferred to die than to obey the King's decree.
Oh God my beloved Father I pray for many people who are forced to perform acts against their own will that go against their faith and their values. Give them and us, strength oh God my Father that even on to the point of death we will still remain firm in our love and belief in you. Amen thank You Jesus.
