2nd book of Maccabees 6:18-31.
Eleazar, one of the foremost scribes, a man of advanced age and noble appearance, was being forced to open his mouth to eat pork.
But preferring a glorious death to a life of defilement, he spat out the meat, and went forward of his own accord to the instrument of torture,
as men ought to do who have the courage to reject the food which it is unlawful to taste even for love of life.
Those in charge of that unlawful ritual meal took the man aside privately, because … [More]

Morning Prayer for Tuesday, Week 1 of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time