2 Maccabees, 12
45. But if he did this with a view to the splendid reward that awaits those who had gone to rest in godliness, it was a holy and pious thought.
45. But if he did this with a view to the splendid reward that awaits those who had gone to rest in godliness, it was a holy and pious thought.
2 Maccabees 12 reports a battle led by Judas Macabeu against the Gentiles who had destroyed a Jewish tomb and killed the Jews who were there. Judas and his army fought to avenge the death of these Jews and recover the tomb. During the battle, many Jews fell and Judas decided to collect money to offer sacrifices for the dead and help their families. Below are five verses related to the topics covered in 2 Maccabees 12:
2 Samuel 1:12: "And they lamented, and wept, and fasted into the afternoon for Saul, and by Jonathan, his son, and for the people of the Lord, and for the house of Israel, because they had fallen into the sword." This verse shows the practice of crying and fasting for the dead, which is similar to what Judas Macabeu and his army did for the Jews who died in battle.
Isaiah 57:1: "The righteous perishes, and there is no one who cares about it; and godly men are taken, without anyone understanding that the righteous is taken from the presence of evil." This verse talks about the death of righteous and godly, who are often forgotten by people, but are important in the eyes of God.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-2: "For everything there is an occasion, and a time for each purpose under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to reap what has been planted. " This verse highlights the inevitability of death and the importance of accepting that it is part of life.
Psalm 49:15: "But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave, for He will receive me." This verse talks about belief in resurrection and in the afterlife, a belief shared by many Jews and Christians.
Romans 8:38-39: "For I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, principalists, nor future things, no powers, height, no depth, nor any other creature can separate us of the love of God, who is in Christ Jesus, our Lord. " This verse highlights the Christian belief in victory over death through the love of God in Jesus Christ.
“Ouço interiormente uma voz que constantemente me diz: Santifique-se e santifique!” São Padre Pio de Pietrelcina
