Readings: Mal. 3:19-20; Ps . 98; 2Thess.3:17-12; Luke:21:5-19
Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.
WHY SHOULD WE CONTINUE TO ENDURE EVEN IN THE MIDST OF PERSECUTION AND HARDSHIP?
In most places around the world, we see and hear of human wickedness, intimidation, manipulations, kidnapping, killing and other immoral activities people do 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 to be eliminated, as we see in our country today.
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.
Hence, Jesus in our Gospel passage today while talking about the end time event in relation to the destruction of the beautiful temple of Jerusalem, 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, he said, because God himself shall give us eloquence and wisdom that none of our opponents will be able to resist or contradict, for our endurance will win us our lives.
Here, as Jesus foretells the destruction of the physical temple in Jerusalem, we need to recall what replaces that temple. This temple was replaced by the presence of the Holy Spirit in the Church and in the soul of humanity.
So we are born anew to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Though we still talk about the glories of the temple of Jerusalem, how it is being adorned, its splendour and beauty.
But what about the new temple, be it the physical temple of our Church, or other objects of worship, or that of our homes, our families or even our bodies which is temple of the Holy Spirit, today Jesus is letting us to know that a day will come when they will be destroyed and will no longer exist for nothing last forever in this passing world. So we should not be distracted by the beauty of the things of this passing world or let them separate us from the love of God, be it in the form of persecution or death.
Little wonder Jesus gave us the details of the challenges that await us as his followers, such as arrests, persecution, trials before government authorities, betrayal by family and friends, hatred on account of his name, and even execution.
He made us know that we should not lay blame on a particular person or group of people, on society, or even on our enemies for such ugly treatment. For they are rather an opportunity to testify and bear witness to him in the world.
Also in this Gospel, Jesus not only describes what his followers will have to endure, but also offers assurance that he will support them and make them strong. So he made us know 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, the period of persecution is a time to bear witness through our endurance, courage and tenacity.
For we heard Prophet Malachi in our first reading saying: The day that is coming is going to burn up evildoers, says the Lord of Hosts, leaving them neither root nor branch. But for those who fear my name, they are the sun of righteousness who shall rise with healing in its wings.
And St. Paul talking about the need to work hard in preparation for the coming of the Lord says in our second reading: we order and call on people who have failed to work to go on quietly working and earning the food that they eat and stop giving unnecessary excuses under the pretence that the coming of the Lord is near.
Dear friends, our message today is centred on hope, faith and love, letting us know that God remains present in the world and also in our lives even when things have gotten so bad that we feel as if the world is over for us.
So these theological virtues of hope, faith, and love become very important to us, because the circumstances in which Jesus invites us to share the Good News are quite challenging and difficult, especially now that we are passing through difficult times, as individuals, families, societies and countries.
No doubt we are all affected by the current political crisis, injustice and other social, economic, security and human selfish factors, of which these 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 these times of difficulties.
Let us be sure that God knows what we are passing through now, and in due time, will give us victory, for Jesus says that our endurance will win us our lives. So do not give up in times of persecution and hardships, for your endurance will win you your life.
Finally, we will recall that Pope Francis, since 2017, the year of Our Lord, dedicated every last Sunday before the Solemnity of Christ the King, as the World Day of the Poor. An occasion where we are all reminded of the poor, those people in our community who lack the basic needs of life as they depend on others to survive.
Therefore, today we are called to be of help to the best we can to the poor, knowing that God has a plan for each of us. Each person has been given a special talent according to his/her ability in order to fulfil that plan. So everyone no matter your present condition is special, unique and a masterpiece
LET US PRAY: Lord God, as we struggle with the ugly situation in our country today, grant us the courage and strength to endure patiently, especially in these difficult times, through Christ our Lord. Amen. Have a fruitful Sunday celebration.
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