25-Nov-15

Gospel LK 21:12-19

Jesus said to the crowd:
“They will seize and persecute you,
they will hand you over to the synagogues and to prisons,
and they will have you led before kings and governors
because of my name.
It will lead to your giving testimony.
Remember, you are not to prepare your defense beforehand,
for I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking
that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute.
You will even be handed over by parents,
brothers, relatives, and friends,
and they will put some of you to death.
You will be hated by all because of my name,
but not a hair on your head will be destroyed.
By your perseverance you will secure your lives.”
Reflection:
Jesus said to the crowd:
“They will seize and persecute you,
they will hand you over to the synagogues and to prisons,
and they will have you led before kings and governors
because of my name."
To further "weed out" the faint of heart, Jesus goes on to say, "You will even be handed over by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends, and they will put some of you to death."
These are not exactly what one would call inspiring recruitment slogans.
However, he promises those who decide to follow him that they will not be "destroyed." And, "By your perseverance you will secure your lives."
The life he speaks of is our eternal life in Heaven.
Jesus assures those who love and follow him of His loyalty:
"Everyone therefore who acknowledges me before others, I also will acknowledge before my Father in heaven...." Matthew 10:32.
And, he does not leave us orphaned to defend ourselves but tells us "Remember, you are not to prepare your defense beforehand, for I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute."
Whether we are under attack by those who reject Jesus or by the tragedies of life, Jesus sends the Holy Spirit to speak and act through us in ways that defy our understanding and confirm the presence of God in our lives.
In the time following Jesus' death, many were called to suffer and die for their faith.
Religious persecution still exists in many parts of the world.
May our faith in Jesus' promise sustain us in times of trial, and may we be ever loyal to our brother Christ, just as He is loyal to us.

"Blood make you related. Loyalty makes you family." Unknown