I have no problem admitting that I possess many shortcomings, that I have many weaknesses and downfalls, that I live a sinful life. But with any of my weaknesses, whether it be my poor personal skills or my flaws in faith, I try to find someone that I can look up to, someone that typifies the highest positive standard of that weakness; someone who sets an example that I can try to emulate. It is especially important to do this with matters of faith and spirituality. We can always strive to do better, no matter how well we think we live our lives. We must find people that are examples of great faith and piety. Scripture is a great place to start, and the readings today give us two great examples of faith.
First is Eleazar, who is described as a noble and foremost scribe of the community. Here is a man that is willing to undergo torture and death rather than defile his body by eating pork. It may seem silly or stupid to give up yourself rather than eat a piece of meat, but this attitude is the exact definition of a martyr. Eleazar would rather stay faithful to the laws of his religion and die than fold under the pressure of temptation. His reasoning where we can really begin to see Eleazar as a model of faith. While there is an element of pride because he won’t go back on the laws of God he said he would be loyal to, while he doesn’t want to bring dishonor to himself; his foremost reason is to “leave to the young a noble example of how to die willingly and generously for the revered and holy laws.” Eleazar knows that he will be rewarded for his faith, but he more wants to serve as a model of faith for those that look to him as an example. Eleazar has the respect of the people he serves and would not have their faith shaken in God because they saw his faith in God shaken when pressured. That is a truly selfless act and is a great model of faith. We need to be aware of this in our own lives. Realize that there may be people that look to you as a model of faith and keep that in mind when you make decisions.
The second model we hear about today is Zacchaeus. Zacchaeus seeks out God in his life, but in a very tangible and visible way. Jesus reaches out to this and brings Zacchaeus back into the fold. Zacchaeus recognizes his faults and shortcomings, his unfair dealing with people, and repents for those transgressions. This is another great model of faith. Seek out God in your life, recognize your shortcomings and sins, and repent to God
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