In the first reading, we see the end of King Antiochus who had persecuted the Jews and desecrated their temple especially their altar of sacrifice. Now God has faovured and fortified the Jews; they had grown strong from the arm-supplies and were able to tear down the abomination erected upon the altar in Jerusalem.  Antiochus heard about the fortification of the Jews and became badly shaken and sick from grief.  He lay on his bed for many days and was dying and could not sleep. In his distress and pain, reminiscing his past, he suddenly realized that he did so many evils in Jerusalem. These evils were now tormenting and traumatizing him. He lost his serenity and peace of mind. Antiochus was a wicked and cruel King who showed no mercy on the Jews. He treated them like animals. He was beginning to reap the rewards of his evil actions.  It was said before that  the evil men or women do live after them. But now, the evil men or women do lives and stays with them. People reap the fruits of their actions here in this present life. Therefore, let us learn to be good.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, help me to sow the seed of kindness and goodness in the lives of others.