Memorial of Saint Cecilia, Virgin and Martyr
King Antiochus IV died 164 years before the coming of Christ, as recorded in the first book of Maccabees, chapter 6. The manner of the king’s death is instructive. He began to die when he realized that two of his major initiatives were ending in failure: his military campaign in Persia and his military campaign in Judea. Failure is a form of death to a man of success. Antiochus had successfully claimed the throne. He had successfully conquered Judea and even Egypt, but then he lost Judea to the Maccabees. Persia, likewise, began to slip away. Antiochus, overcome by grief and anxiety, took to his bed. He would never arise from it.
While on his deathbed, he summoned his friends and made something of a confession. His self-assessment was mostly balanced. He said that he had been a kind leader and was loved by the people, except for the people of Jerusalem whom he mistreated, and which he now deeply regretted, but it was too late. From this situation he saw no escape.
But what if King Antiochus IV had died 200 years later, in the days of St. Paul? And what if St. Paul had visited him on his deathbed? Would St. Paul see any chance of salvation for the repentant king? And what if you were St. Paul, standing at the bedside of a dying man? Could you bring him any news of salvation, or is there something stopping you?