Courage under Persecution

Today's Reflections

                                                                          

                                                                          

Courage under Persecution

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.”

DO NOT BE AFRAID. Jesus compares the hypocrisy of the Pharisees to the yeast that permeates and pervades what is being brewed or baked. He warns the disciples against hypocrisy; they are to live honest and transparent lives. They are not to fear those who can kill the body but can do nothing more. They are to be brave and to face death without fear.

Christians have suffered persecution and offered their lives in witness to their faith. The blood of martyrs has watered the Church.

In our times, Christians continue to be persecuted by people of other faiths. Some sectors of society attack the teachings of the Catholic Church. In some parts of the world, Christian churches are torched. Jesus tells us disciples not to be afraid, for God takes good care of us, certainly more than God’s other creatures.

Exhorted to be unafraid, Catholics are to defend their faith. Hence, there is need for Catholics to get to know their faith better so as to be effective witnesses and defenders.

To be better informed, make it a point

to read Catholic publications

and follow Catholic radio and TV programs.