Wednesday, 27 November 2024. Readings: Apocalypse 15:1-4, Ps. 98:1-3,7-9, Luke 21:12-19
“They will arrest you and persecute you; they will hand you over to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors because of my name.” (Luke 21:12)
I once read somewhere: “Be grateful for your troublesome landlord; if not for him, you might never have thought about building your own house.” Always thank your enemies, those who make life difficult for you, because these people bring out the best in you.
- As a little kid, a short fence separated our house from the next apartment. I never knew I could jump that fence until I was chased by an angry hen for disturbing one of its chicks. Later, I tried several times to jump that fence but couldn’t. That experience taught me a wonderful lesson: the best could come even in the most painful situations.
- This was the message John passed on to his audience in today’s first reading from Revelation. The sea of glass mingled with fire represents the torture, pains, hardships, sacrifices, sweat, tears, and blood of Christians who were being slaughtered under the reign of Emperor Diocletian (the beast). John assured his readers of eventual redemption and glory if they remained steadfast in the faith.
- The experience of the persecuted Christians was indeed a fulfilment of the words of Jesus in today’s Gospel passage when he noted: “They will seize and persecute you, they will hand you over to the synagogues and prisons…. You will even be handed over by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends, and they will put some of you to death. All will hate you because of my name.”
- Consider yourself lucky if people hate you because of your Christian Faith and your desire to walk as a child of the light. Consider yourself lucky not because of what you will suffer but what that will produce later.
- It is often said that if the devil is not fighting you, it is because you are working for him. Many Christians today have grown lukewarm in their Christian faith, no longer letting their light shine and compromising their values. You should be worried if you are not facing persecution; it is a sign that you have aligned with the devil.
- However, when we face persecution because of our faith, let us be assured that God never abandons us. Jesus assures us, saying, “But not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance, you will gain your lives.” When we are brought to trial, we must not prepare what to say beforehand because God will give us a mouth and a wisdom that no one can refute. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want. As a Good Shepherd, God has already prepared for us. This is why we should not be afraid to face persecution. Do not compromise your values to avoid persecution.
- The very incident that made you shed tears will one day become your cause for joy, either in this life or the future. Never return hatred for hatred. Remember the book of Proverbs, which says: “If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink; for you will heap coals of fire on his head, and the Lord will reward you.” (Proverbs 25:21-22).
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, may we never give up on the race to eternal life, regardless of the persecution that we face. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Wednesday of week 34 in Ordinary Time Liturgical Colour: Green. Bible Study: Apocalypse 15:1-4, Ps. 98:1-3,7-9, Luke 21:12-19).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu