Gospel Reading: 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: YOU WILL SECURE YOUR LIVES.
Jesus continues giving people instructions on how to help themselves when the end is near. As believers of Christ, they will be persecuted. They will be dragged into prisons. When prosecuted, they will see it as a good opportunity to give testimony.
Their loved ones will betray them. They will be mad enough to put them to death because of Jesus’ name. Society will consider the name of Jesus the culprit of all the troubles around them. Jesus’ followers will be blamed for they are his promoters.
Jesus promises his disciples salvation if they stay with him no matter what. If they persevere, they will be secure in their lives.
If our relationship with Jesus is not strong and tight, we can easily disengage or turn away from him for convenience’s sake. We Christians must realize that conflicts are sure to come. The blame game does not go away. We are easy scapegoats for maladies because of our spiritual values. We are convenient targets because we operate in the open. The world values what can stabilize the system even if it does not recognize God and souls of humans.
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Who/what do you think will secure your life?
Strengthen your faith so that you will not fall away from Jesus.
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SOURCE: “365 Days with the Lord 2017” ST. PAULS Philippines, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 895-9701; Fax 895-7328; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.
