2 Maccabees 7:1-2, 9-14
Chapter 7
The Seven Brothers and Their Mother
It happened also that seven brothers were arrested with their mother. The king had them scourged and flogged to force them to eat the flesh of a pig, which was prohibited by the law.One of them, speaking on behalf of all, said: “What do you want to find out from us? We are prepared to die right now rather than break the law of our ancestors.”
At the moment of his last breath, he said: “Murderer, you now dismiss us from life, but the king of the world will raise us up. He will give us eternal life since we die for his laws.”
After this, they punished the third. He stuck his tongue out when asked to, bravely stretched forth his hands,
and even dared to say: “I have received these limbs from God, but for love of his laws, I now consider them as nothing. For I hope to recover them from God.”
This young man’s courage touched the king and his court, so unconcerned about his sufferings.
When this one was dead, they subjected the fourth to the same torture.
At the point of death, he cried out: “I would rather die at the hands of mortals and wait for the promises of God who will raise us up; you, however, shall have no part in the resurrection of life.”
Commentaries
The Seven Brothers and Their Mother.
From the martyrdom of one man, we shift to that of an entire family. The story teaches several lessons that, along with those of Eleazar, help develop a theology of martyrdom. Let’s explore some of them: 1. It is better to die than to break the law or God’s plan (2). 2. God has compassion on those who die for his cause (6). 3. Those who die for God’s cause will rise to eternal life in their mortal bodies (9.11.14.23.29). 4. God gives life, but for his sake, one must be willing to lose it (11). 5. Those who try to thwart God’s plan will face their just punishment from God himself (17.19.31) and will not be resurrected to life (14). 6. Despite human sin, God never abandons his people (15). 7. The strength and tenderness of women are God’s breath, inspiring those preparing for martyrdom (21-23). 8. Resurrection is an act of God’s mercy (23). 9. No one can escape God’s judgment (35).