how to defeat the tyrant
"When Athaliah, the mother of Ahaziah, saw that her son was dead, she began to kill off the whole royal family." —2 Kings 11:1
Athaliah, the queen mother, massacred the rest of the royal family so she could take over the kingdom of Judah. Seven years later, she was dethroned and killed. This victory of justice was achieved by God's grace through four people or groups of people:
- Jehosheba risked her life to rescue a baby, her nephew, Joash, the rightful king (2 Kgs 11:2).
- Others risked their lives daily for seven years by secretly caring for Joash (2 Kgs 11:3-4).
- Jehoiada, the priest, risked his life by leading a coup d'etat (2 Kgs 11:4).
- The captains of the temple guard risked their lives by swearing to support Jehoiada in the coup (2 Kgs 11:4).
The evil reign of Athaliah was stopped by one courageous woman, many acts of courage for seven years, priestly leadership, and the captains' faithfulness in the commitment to Jehoiada. We conquer evil by God's grace expressed in courage, leadership, and faithfulness.
That's what we need to stop the Athaliahs in our time. We can stop the worst evils if we're willing to lay down our lives and make sacrifices.
Look at Jesus crucified and victorious. Act to stop evil.
Prayer: Father, may I realize that my primary enemy is Satan (Eph 6:12). May I fight accordingly (see 2 Cor 10:4).
Promise: "Remember, where your treasure is, there your heart is also." —Mt 6:21
Praise: Both St. Paulinus and his wife entered religious life when their son died.
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 27, 2018
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