Just as much as prison, torture and barbarity, flattery and bribery are often used in the persecution of Christians or other believers. Thus, the "officers of the king," government officials in our modern democracies, first attacked Mattathias with flattery: "You are a leader, a great and honourable man." Then they resort to bribery: prestige and powers and riches. In his Spiritual Exercises [#142], St Ignatius teaches us to realize the three steps which the devil uses in corrupting us: riches, honour and pride.

How many government officials in our various countries are corrupt, whether openly or secretly! Corruption is a great social and political scourge. Pope Francis has affirmed that corruption is one of the causes of world poverty.

In a wonderful drama, later a magnificent film, on the life of St. Thomas More, a "king's official" tries to persuade Thomas to side with the English king Henry VIII against the Pope by suggesting to him: "If you cannot come with us in principle, at least come with us for fellowship." The dramatist puts remarkable and challenging words into Thomas' mouth: "And when I go to hell for going against my conscience, will you come with me - 'for fellowship'?" Like Mattathias, Thomas More preferred to die for his faith and integrity rather than capitulate.