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Manila Bulletin devider Opinion devider They will seize and persecute you

They will seize and persecute you

Published Nov 23, 2022 12:02 am
REFLECTIONS TODAY Ahead of time, Jesus saw clearly the suffering that would be endured by the early believers. When Christianity had started to spread and the number of believers had increased, Christians were considered a threat to both the Jewish and Roman religions and were persecuted. The Roman emperor Nero, suspected of burning Rome, turned the blame on Christians who were fed to wild animals. Even families were torn apart between believers and non-believers in Jesus. The Christians were denounced by their own close relations to authorities. In the Gospel, Jesus anticipates all the grim events that will follow after his passion and death. He counsels his disciples and the future believers to remain strong in faith and to endure every trial in a peaceful disposition. Jesus guarantees that all believers who undergo suffering will prevail against every evil. This is Jesus’ assurance to people who are in terrible situations. Today’s Gospel serves as a continuing assurance from our Lord that he knows every trial we experience. The persecution against Christians nowadays may not be as blatant or as violent like in Nero’s time, but the same degree of rejection and hatred may push non-believers to ridicule our faith in Christ. Gospel • Luke 21:12-19 Jesus said to the crowd: “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. It will lead to your giving testimony. Remember, you are not to prepare your defense beforehand, for I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute. You will even be handed over by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends, and they will put some of you to death. You will be hated by all because of my name, but not a hair on your head will be destroyed. By your perseverance you will secure your lives.” Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2022,” St. Pauls, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; Fax 632-895-7328; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.

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