In today's reading we hear that it was winter and the Feast of the Dedication, that is Hanukkah. This Jewish feast day is also known as the Festival of Lights. The story behind it comes from the Book of Maccabees where the tale of how Judah Maccabee raised a fierce and army loyal to God (the army would also be known as the Maccabees) against the Greco-Syrian king who banned Jewish religious practices and defiled the Temple of Jerusalem. When the Maccabees were victorious over the oppression, the Temple was cleansed, purified, and re-Dedicated to God. When they rededicated the temple, there was only enough oil for the sanctuary lamp for one night, the rest having been defiled. Through a miracle the oil lasted for eight days. That is why Hanukkah lasts eight days with one candle being lit each night. As a Jew Jesus would have participated in the Feast of the Dedication.
As a Christian follower, we can ask ourselves what is the parallel between the Jewish celebration and our own this Easter season. Very clearly the authorities and other leaders are demanding to know if Jesus is the Messiah. It could not have been easy for Jesus' followers. However, their courage and stamina against the hardships caused by people who doubted Jesus and were not his followers is an echo of that of the Maccabees. What was true for the followers of Christ then is true now as we wage battle against threats against Christians whether we are in Syria, Pakistan, or laws against what we believe in other countries around the world. What Christian has not been persecuted for our faith? We stand firm and courageous because Christ is our savior and we are his flock. Like the eternal light of the sanctuary lamp, Christ stands with us incarnate in human history as a Light to the World: God made manifest. The Light of the World came to give us the light of life.
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