"...by bravely giving up life now, I will prove myself worthy of my old age, and I will leave to the young a noble example of how to die willingly and nobly for the revered and holy laws." -- 2 Macc. 6:27-28 (NAB)
The Second Book of the Maccabees records several inspiring stories of Jews of the second century before Christ who refused to violate the law of God, even at the cost of their lives. One that is especially relevant for seniors is the story of the scribe Eleazar, described as "a man advanced in age and of noble appearance."
As part of the persecutions, Jews were being forced to eat pork that had been offered in sacrifice. When Eleazar refused, some of his old friends took him aside and tried to offer him a way out. They suggested that he pretend to eat the pork, but bring some of his own food that he could lawfully eat and eat that instead.
How many times are we offered a way out of violating our consciences that might at first seem to meet the requirements of the laws of God, but which we know, in our heart of hearts, leaves something to be desired? Eleazar recognized that there was something else he needed to be concerned about than just technically meeting the requirements of the Law; namely, the scandal he would give to those who heard of it.
Scandal is a term that has lost a lot of its theological meaning in modern society. We think of scandalous behavior as that which is shocking or disgraceful, and there is that element. But the Catechism of the Catholic Church provides us with the full meaning of "scandal":
"Scandal is an attitude or behavior which leads another to do evil. The person who gives scandal becomes his neighbor's tempter. He damages virtue and integrity; he may even draw his brother into spiritual death. Scandal is a grave offense if by deed or omission another is deliberately led into a grave offense." (para. 2284)
Eleazar clearly understood the full, scandalous impact of his actions, especially on the young, if he accepted the offer to pretend to eat pork. He replied,
"At our age it would be unbecoming to make such a pretense; many of the young would think the ninety-year-old Eleazar had gone over to an alien religion. If I dissemble to gain a brief moment of life, they would be led astray by me, while I would bring defilement and dishonor on my old age. Even if, for the time being, I avoid human punishment, I shall never, whether alive or dead, escape the hand of the Almighty. Therefore, by bravely giving up life now, I will prove myself worthy of my old age, and I will leave to the young a noble example of how to die willingly and nobly for the revered and holy laws.”(2 Macc. 6:24-28)
Dear Lord Jesus, help us to remember that we are never acting alone or in secret, but that every action of our lives affects those around us. Please give us the wisdom to recognize the hidden dangers in what might, at first, seem to be legitimate compromises. Grant us the grace not to give scandal and lead others astray by our actions, but to be faithful to You by the power of Your Spirit to the end, whatever that end may be. Amen.
