Persecution (Saturday, Easter 5, 2021)

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One who wanders in the forest does not only need to be wary of lions, tigers and wolves, but must also steer clear of ants. No danger could constitute a serious obstacle to a hunter who is in for serious venture. As Christians, we are like hunters in the world. We do not hunt and reclaim souls for Christ with guns and spears but by our lives and disposition to the truth. Certain elements (big and small) will strive to scuttle our efforts: persecutors will arise in the family, in the Church and in society. But these should not deter us from proclaiming the message of truth. 


In the early days of the Church, the orthodox Jews were almost as intolerant as any other present-day fanatical religious sect. This may help us understand what the apostles went through as they preached the gospel in the highly intolerant territories of the Jews. They contended with persecutors without (Roman authorities) and with persecutors within (those Jewish Christians who were still insistent that the Gentiles must be subjected to unchristian rituals).


Although by birth, Timothy was not a Jew; but Paul had to circumcise him for the sake of the Jewish brethren. Probably, there were some people within the Christian community who were still unyielding and recalcitrant about circumcision issue. As Paul and the rest journeyed along, it was reported that the Holy Spirit warned them not to delve into certain areas probably because of stiff opposition and persecution (cf. Acts 16:1-10). It was all about persecution, oppression and attempts to frustrate the genuine efforts of the apostles both within and without.


In Jn. 15:18-21, Jesus tells His disciples, “If the world hates you, remember that it hated me before you”. Once you've chosen to stand for the truth, be ready for persecutions. Don’t always expect it from elsewhere; it can also come from those close to you. From the moment you became a Christian, you’ve put your life on the line. The “world” that persecuted the master will never spare His disciples.


The wise one says, “If you have chosen to follow the Lord, prepare yourself for ordeals” (Sir. 2:1). Focus not on the ordeal; look ahead and see the triumphant end of it. In the words of Christ, “all men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved”. Let these words be your strength and consolation!


Prayer:

For the grace to stand firm in the face of trials and persecution, Amen!


Have a restful weekend!



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