Reflection
Today’s gospel reading is set shortly before Jesus undergoes His passion.
In this setting Jesus speaks to his disciples about their own passion. He tells them that they will be seized and persecuted, handed over to the authorities and imprisoned, all because they bear the name of Jesus. Those words of Jesus have come to pass throughout the history of the church. Indeed, people are being persecuted for their faith in Jesus today in huge numbers. Although, we are not being persecuted for our faith here at home, it is more difficult to be a believer in today’s world than in the more recent past. Jesus assures us that He Himself will be with us when we find ourselves facing opposition and hostility and are tempted to discouragement. “I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute.” (Lk. 21:15) The Lord is with us to support us. The trials and tribulations that come our way are an opportunity for us to bear witness, to give testimony to our faith. Our testimony comes not from our own strength but in the strength the Lord gives us.
Jesus ends today’s Gospel with a message of hope. “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.” (Lk. 21:17-19) It was St. Mother Teresa who said that, in calling us to share in his work, the Lord does not ask us to be successful, but to be faithful. Our perseverance in faith will give witness to the power of faith in Christ. As we show that we are not living to fit in with the world around us, that our focus is on the rewards promised for eternal life, others will notice our authentic love of Christ and our unwavering hope for the future. This will be the testimony that will attract others to want to learn more about our Lord and Savior.
Today’s Question for Prayer and Reflection
What have I suffered in my life because of the name of Jesus?