Courage under Persecution
http://graceandspace.org
Lk 12:1-7
[At that time,] 1so
many people were crowding together that they were trampling one another
underfoot. [Jesus] began to speak, first to his disciples, “Beware of
the leaven—that is, the hypocrisy—of the Pharisees.
2“There is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known. 3Therefore
whatever you have said in the darkness will be heard in the light, and
what you have whispered behind closed doors will be proclaimed on the
housetops. 4I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body but after that can do no more. 5I
shall show you whom to fear. Be afraid of the one who after killing has
the power to cast into Gehenna; yes, I tell you, be afraid of that one.
6Are not five sparrows sold for two small coins? Yet not one of them has escaped the notice of God. 7Even the hairs of your head have all been counted. Do not be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows.”
Reflection:
Sparrows.
As we commit ourselves to Jesus, as we follow and work for him, there
is opposition, persecution, and crucifixion. Jesus does not promise
comfort in following him. But Jesus assures us that God will take care
of us, as God looks after common and ordinary creatures such as
sparrows.
The
mention of birds in Scriptures symbolizes trust in divine providence.
Job is asked, “Who provides nourishment for the ravens when their young
ones cry out to God, and they rove abroad without food?” (Jb 38:41).
Psalm 84:4 tells us that sparrows and swallows build their nests in the
Lord’s house and seek protection at his altar. Now, the Gospel tells us
to put our trust in God. We must be confident of God’s care as we are
“worth more than many sparrows.”
When some sectors of society oppose
the Church’s stand on an issue, how do you react?
Can you consider daily hardships
as forms of persecution to your existential choice
to remain a faithful Christian?
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