Be the Maccabee!!!! The Maccabean Revolt for Catholics Today

Film Focus: Dr. Taylor Marshall, of the New St. Thomas Institute, provides an overview of the 1 and 2 Maccabees situating their story within the greater history of the time period. He continues the journey through 2 Maccabees by enumerating some of the unique biblical theology which is important to Catholics. The video concludes with a call for all Catholics to do battle spiritually for Jesus Christ.

Text Focus: Pages 457-460

Discussion Questions:

1. What changed when the Greeks took control from the Persians? Was this a positive or negative change for the Jewish people? Explain.
2. Who was Mattathias? Who were his sons? Why are they significant to this story?
3. How does Hanukkah connect to the story of the Maccabees?
4. Do you know anyone or know of anyone who has stood up against an authority to try to right a wrong? What happened to them? Do you agree with what they did? Why or why not?
5. What are two Catholic doctrines that are taught in Second Maccabees? Explain what each of these means.

*Ave Maria Press has requested permission to link to this video for use in the classroom as part of the accompanying lesson. If for any reason, the producer does not wish this video to be included on this site, Ave Maria Press will remove it posthaste.