The Gospel According to Luke 21:12-19
“But before all this happens, you will be seized and persecuted; you will be handed over to the synagogues and to imprisonment and brought before kings and governors for the sake of my name—and that will be your opportunity to bear witness. Make up your minds not to prepare your defense, because I myself shall give you an eloquence and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to resist or contradict. You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relations, and friends; and some of you will be put to death. You will be hated universally on account of my name, but not a hair of your head will be lost. Your perseverance will win you your lives.”
Reflection: This is a very stern warning from Jesus in this chapter from Luke. Or is he trying to scare us away? Do we want the same thing to happen to us that happened to Him on that hill called Calvary? It seems at times that Jesus is not a powerful force at all. Or is this His way of telling us that the road WE all travel will be a long and hard battle. Are we ready to battle against evil with a stronger force? A stronger force with love and a giving spirit. We do have a stronger defense if we only trust in Jesus.
If we put our faith and trust in Jesus Christ as our Lord and savior, no harm will come to us when we reach heaven. Never fear what happens to us in this world because this world is not where we will ultimately reside with our Lord.
Thus, Jesus says, “Your perseverance will win you your lives.” Our present actions, dispositions, and choices have consequences. To live one’s faith now prepares us for eternal life with Jesus.
Acton of the Day: Today, let us ask the Lord Jesus, through our daily prayers, to increase our faith and trust in Him. Guide us by your providential hand and send your Spirit to give us the words and courage we need to be a light in this world. Help us to persevere to the end with great and surrendered faith.
Audio Reflection:
