As we draw to the close of this liturgical year we hear in Maccabees the resistance of the Jewish persecution imposed by Antiochus Epiphanes.  His intention seemed noble, “that all should be one people, each abandoning his particular customs.” (1Macc 1:41-43)  This same idea is offered today by many who think that if we transcend nationalism and build a world community that will solve the problems of war and violence, hatred and injustice, but history has not demonstrated that.  It was not true in 145 BCE and it is not true in our century as evidenced by the wars that have plagued us and are ongoing in all areas of the world.

God’s plan was one of diversity.  There is great diversity throughout creation.  It is the diversity that gives it beauty and wonder.  It is the diversity that makes it healthy.  Humans need to recognize and celebrate our diversity.  We need to honor each others different customs, rituals and views with tolerance and openness.  We can and must learn to live with our differences.  In the Gospel today Jesus calls us to himself.  He will open our eyes, as he did the blind man’s, if we ask him in faith so that we may see and respond to the needs of each other as brothers and sisters who are one in our humanity.