Fitting in

Human beings are intrinsically social: we need to feel connected with others.

Ultimately, this need for connection finds its source and its fulfillment in our being created by God for himself: to love him, serve him, and be happy with him forever in heaven where even our human-to-human need finds fulfillment in the full realization of the Communion of the Saints.

Unfortunately, disordered as we are by the effects of Original Sin, this social element of our human makeup is often our downfall, as we are so often led astray by feelings of loneliness and the power of peer pressure.

Today’s first reading (1 Maccabees 1:10-15,41-43,54-57,62-63)summarizes a time when tremendous pressures were brought to bear upon the People of God to “fit in” with the ways of their neighbors. There was even a government campaign to encourage conformity – under pain of death.

Many of God’s People gave into the pressure and “went along” with everyone else.

A faithful few, however, persevered in obedience to the ways and the truth of God, even when they were tortured and killed.

This faithful remnant would be the special instruments of God’s truth and presence in a darkening world. They kept alive the flame of faith that would burn brightly in the centuries to come. The faith that they kept alive would be shape the faith of billions and would in various ways impact laws and governments all around the world.

Those who decided to take the easy way and “fit in” would be for the most part cut off from the People of God and lost to history.

Those who stood firm in faith and in the ways of God would change history and help bring about a better world.

What about you and me?

Will we fit in or stand firm?

God, come to my assistance.
Lord, make haste to help me.