REFLECTIONS TODAY
The intermediate time between the fall of Jerusalem and the Second Coming of the Son of Man can be considered as the time of the Church.
Luke records that in the formation of the early Church, the disciples of Jesus undergo persecutions and trials.
The Christians’ departure from the Jewish synagogue exposes them to the antagonism of the Jews and some are persecuted.
The Jewish Christians no longer enjoy the privileges given to the Jews by the Roman authorities.
Soon after, authorized persecution breaks out in Rome, and many Christians are put to death. But the Church is not destroyed. “The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church,” writes early Church theologian Tertullian.
He argues that in Carthage, North Africa, persecution actually strengthens the Church; as martyrs bravely die for the faith, onlookers convert.
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 2023,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.