YOUR ENDURANCE WILL WIN YOU YOUR LIFE

 Wednesday 34th week in Ordinary Time Year A, 25th November, 2020.

Readings: Rev.15:1-4, Ps.98, Luke:21:12-19

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

YOUR ENDURANCE WILL WIN YOU YOUR LIFE

Everywhere in the world we see and hear of human wickedness, intimidation, manipulations, kidnapping, killing and different other immoral activities for the sake of power, fame, money and lustful desires. And anyone who tries to resist, challenge, correct, change or stop these ugly attitudes, becomes an object of elimination. Yet in the midst of all these ugly situation, we are required to continue to speak about God’s goodness, love, compassion and forgiveness. A very difficult task to do, especially when we are suffering as victims of this ugly situation.

Thus, Jesus in our Gospel passage today declares that his followers are going to be persecuted on account of bearing witness to his name, a reality that will put even their most cherished relationships to the test: they will be betrayed even by their closest relations and friends. However we should not prepare any defence, because God myself shall give us an eloquence and a wisdom that none of our opponents will be able to resist or contradict.

Here, Jesus not only describes what his followers will have to endure, but offers assurance that he will support them and make them strong. So he recommends that here comes a time in the spiritual life of his followers when they will have to choose to endure, rather than despair. By their endurance they will gain their lives. Hence, period of persecution is a time to witness through our endurance, courage and tenacity. 

Dear friends, the circumstances in which Jesus invites us to share the Good News is quite challenging and difficult, especially now that the world is passing through difficult times, as families, societies, countries, and churches are badly affected by the current pandemic, of which it’s troubles and conflicts are affecting the whole world. But just as Jesus was not abandoned by his Father in his hour of need, we too will not be abandoned in this times of difficulty. For God knows what we are passing through now and in due time he we will give us victory for Jesus says that our endurance will win us our lives.

LET US PRAY: Lord God, as we struggle with the ugly situation in our world today, grant us the courage and strength to persevere in witnessing to the Gospel, especially in this difficult times, through Christ our Lord. Amen. Do have a fruitful day.