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Rev.
Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.
YOUR
ENDURANCE WILL WIN YOU YOUR LIVES
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 situations, 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 our most cherished relationships to the test: we will be betrayed and
persecuted by our closest relations and friends. However, we should not prepare
any defense, 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 there 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, a period of persecution is a time to bear witness through our
endurance, courage and tenacity. Just like Daniel in our first reading today,
who courageously bears great witness before the king by interpreting the mystery
of the message God sent to the King who
has defiled the sacred vessels.
Dear
friends, the circumstances in which Jesus invites us to share the Good News are 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 economic, social, security and political situations
around us 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 time of difficulties. For God knows what we are
passing through now and in due time he 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 these difficult times, through Christ our Lord. Amen. Do have a
fruitful day.
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