The Coming Persecution

Today's Reflections

          

The Coming Persecution 

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Lk 21:12-19

[Jesus said to his disciples,] ¹²“Before [the end] happens, however, they will seize and persecute you, they will hand you over to the synagogues and to prisons, and they will have you led before kings and governors because of my name. ¹³It will lead to your giving testimony. ¹⁴Remember, you are not to prepare your defense beforehand, ¹⁵for I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute. ¹⁶You will even be handed over by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends, and they will put some of you to death. ¹⁷You will be hated by all because of my name, ¹⁸but not a hair on your head will be destroyed. ¹⁹By your perseverance you will secure your lives.”

Reflection:

Not a hair on your head will be destroyed. Jesus foretells terrifying sufferings for his disciples. But his purpose is not to scare them but to assure them that he will be there to assist them: “I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute.” He assures them, “Not a hair on your head will be destroyed.” Their duty is to remain steadfast: “By your perseverance you will secure your lives.”

What we experience today may be “low intensity persecution.” But we need the same confidence and steadfastness based on the assurance of the Lord that he will assist and protect his own.

Prayer:

“Jesus, I trust in you.”