History
He was the Greek Emperor who conquered Jerusalem in 332 and led the overthrow of Babylon.
Who is Alexander the Great?
By the time that 2 Maccabees 7 was written, Jewish spirituality already included belief in this doctrine, as shown in the following passage: "You accursed wretch, you dismiss us from this present life, but the King of the universe will raise us up to an everlasting renewal of life."
What is the resurrection of the dead?
The author advises this group of people to fear the Lord in the days of your _____, before the difficult days come and how then can you find anything in your old age?
What is youth? Sirach 25
This is defined as an understanding of God's purpose and plan.
What is wisdom?
Proverbs, Song of Songs and Sirach (Ecclesiastes) is credited to this author.
Who is Solomon?
He issued an edict allowing Israelites to return to Jerusalem to begin rebuilding the Temple.
Who is King Cyrus of Persia?
2 Maccabees 2, gives us insight into what happened to the Ark of the Covenant.
What is Jeremiah takes the tent, altar and the Ark and puts them in a cave on the mountain where Moses died, leaving it unmarked?
”The days of a good life are numbered, but __ endures for ever."
What is a good name? (Sirach 41:13)
Always be prepared for death - Memento Mori!
Wisdom 12:2 says God corrects like this, those who sin.
What is “little by little” (patiently and gently)?
The meaning of the word "Vanity" in the Bible.
What is useless or unimportant/Does not have any real value?
** DOUBLE JEOPARDY **
In 2 Maccabees 4, these games are referenced and continue to be played today.
What are the Olympics?
18 Now when the game that was used every fifth year was kept at Tyrus, the king being present…
The priests left the sacrifice of the altar to play these games. What is discus?
** DOUBLE JEOPARDY **
The Feast of Dedication/the feast of Purification continues to be celebrated today as this.
What is celebrated today as Hanukkah, celebrated over 8 days? (2 Maccabees 1)
While we need to avoid sin, we must also avoid those people, places and situations that lead us to sin, all known as this.
What are “near occasions“ of sin? (Sirach 9/Act of Contrition)
In Wisdom 17, we learn that these sins can haunt us and as a result we must walk in truth and wisdom (God is always with us)
What is secret/private sins?
Also seen in Sirach 23:18
The Bible uses this word to describe ”exhausting physical labor."
What is toil?
The WORLD tells us to avoid this at all costs except when it brings selfish gain.
He gave himself the nickname that means "God Manifest" and was ruler of the Greek Empire at the time of the Maccabean Revolt.
Who is Antiochus Epiphanes?
Catholic belief in this place of purification has biblical roots in the passage from 2 Mc 12.
What is purgatory?
Praying for the dead would be unnecessary if they are already in heaven or if they were in hell.
“Do not hate toilsome labour, or farm work, which were created by ___”
What is created by the Most High?
Sirach 7:15
Wisdom 13, tells us that we become wise when we get rid of this and turn toward the true and living God?
What is get rid of idols (created objects)?
(our hearts are idol-making factories, taking created things which are good & making them the ULTIMATE good)
The pursuit of wisdom in Sirach requires us to practice these 2 virtues often.
HINT: This virtue enables us to do the right thing, at the right time, and in the right way. This virtue means using the right thing, at the right time, in the right way.
What is the virtue of prudence (to choose the right means for achieving our true good) and temperance (moderates the attraction of pleasures and provides balance in the use of created goods)?
(Sirach 19 & 38-39)
At the end of the Maccabean Revolt, the Romans occupy the land and make life difficult for the Israelites. This emperor is known as the “son of god” and the source of peace bringing the “good news“ of stability to the world.
Who is Caesar Augustus (adopted son of Julius Caesar) - a counterfeit of Jesus?
This high priest built a gymnasium to assimilate young Israelites unto the Greek customs & culture?
Who is Jason who became high priest through corruption? 2 Maccabees 4:12-13
Sirach teaches us these things are better than other things.
What is:
1. A good name. (sirach 41:15)
2. A wise heart. (Sirach 3, 45:26)
3. Patience. (Sirach 1:23, 2:14, 3:13, 16:13)
4. Being slow to anger. (sirach 5:4, 27:30, 28:8, 28:19)
**DOUBLE JEOPARDY**
The book of Wisdom is one of 7 poetic books that when together are referred to as this.
What is the Septuagint (first translation of the Hebrew Old Testament made into popular Greek - in the history of the Bible)?
Books include: Psalms, Job, Proverbs, Sirach, Ecclessiastes, Song of Solomon (Song of Songs) and Wisdom?
The Israelites in the book of Maccabees would rather die than commit this sin (hint: one word).
What is apostasy?
(the abandonment or renunciation of a religious or political belief)