EXCELLENT POINT!!
There is a tremendous parallel to our current situation with the two Books of Machabees - as well as the prophecy of Daniel of the Abomination of Desolation in the Holy Place which these articles take as the blasphemous and invalid 'new order of mass' but which Pope Paul IV understood to be an antipope - or perhaps the antichrist.
CUM EX APOSTOLATUS OFFICIO, APOSTOLIC CONSTITUTION OF HIS HOLINESS POPE PAUL IV, 15TH FEBUARY 1559, (ROMAN BULLARIUM VOL. IV. SEC. I, PP. 354-357)
"1.In assessing Our duty and the situation now prevailing, We have been weighed upon by the thought that a matter of this kind [i.e. error in respect of the Faith] is so grave and so dangerous that the Roman Pontiff,who is the representative upon earth of God and our God and Lord Jesus Christ, who holds the fulness of power over peoples and kingdoms, who may judge all and be judged by none in this world, may nonetheless be contradicted if he be found to have deviated from the Faith. Remembering also that, where danger is greater, it must more fully and more diligently be counteracted, We have been concerned lest false prophets or others, even if they have only secular jurisdiction, should wretchedly ensnare the souls of the simple, and drag with them into perdition, destruction and damnation countless peoples committed to their care and rule, either in spiritual or in temporal matters; and We have been concerned also lest it may befall Us to see the abomination of desolation, which was spoken of by the prophet Daniel, in the holy place."
"6. In addition, [by this Our Constitution, which is to remain valid in perpetuity We enact, determine, decree and define:-]"
"that if ever at any time it shall appear that any Bishop, even if he be acting as an Archbishop, Patriarch or Primate; or any Cardinal of the aforesaid Roman Church, or, as has already been mentioned, any legate, or even the Roman Pontiff, prior to his promotion or his elevation as Cardinal or Roman Pontiff, has deviated from the Catholic Faith or fallen into some heresy:"
"(i) the promotion or elevation, even if it shall have been uncontested and by the unanimous assent of all the Cardinals, shall be null, void and worthless;"
"(ii) it shall not be possible for it to acquire validity (nor for it to be said that it has thus acquired validity) through the acceptance of the office, of consecration, of subsequent authority, nor through possession of administration, nor through the putative enthronement of a Roman Pontiff, or Veneration, or obedience accorded to such by all, nor through the lapse of any period of time in the foregoing situation;"
"(iii) it shall not be held as partially legitimate in any way;"
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As for the Book of Machabees, there are four apostate false priests in succession, the fourth of whom is finally struck dumb. In our parallel, Wojtyla, aka JP2.
The articles below barely touch upon the situation.... John Paul II Basically Unable to Speak
"At that time Alcimus was struck: and his works were hindered, and his mouth was stopped, and he was taken with a palsy, so that he could no more speak a word, nor give order concerning his house." (1 Machabees 9:55)
Is there a parallel between the end of the Old Covenant and our times?
Mel had mentioned, if he wasn't just blowing steam, that he was interested in filming Machabees next. If he has the remotest intention of exploring the parallels, it would be tremendous.