Gospel: Luke 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:
There are two key points we should take from this passage. First, Jesus is offering a prophecy to us that prepares us for the persecution to come. By telling us what is to come, we will be better prepared when it does come. Yes, to be treated with harshness and cruelty, especially by family and those close to us, is a heavy cross. It can rattle us to the point of discouragement, anger and despair. But do not give in! The Lord foresaw this and is preparing us for it.
Second, Jesus gives us the answer to how we deal with being treated harshly and maliciously. He says, “By your perseverance you will secure your lives.” By remaining strong through the trials of life and by retaining hope, mercy and confidence in God, we will become victorious. This is such an important message. And it’s a message that is certainly easier said than done. Jesus invites us to persevere in all the circumstances we are experiencing in our lives.
Lord Jesus, help me to persevere especially in times of difficulty and doubt.
