In a sense, we are very lucky in this country that we can practice our faith freely and without persecution. For, as we know, in some countries, persecutions and even danger to one’s life are very real when living out one’s faith with commitment.

Jesus warns his disciples of the coming persecutions that they may face, just as he is facing them at that point. Ironically, though, it is in such countries with persecutions that we find extraordinary witness of Christian life.

Whereas, in places which are supposedly peaceful, like ours, we find mostly complacency, halfhearted, and lukewarm expressions of faith.

But Jesus also warns that the opposition could come from our own family members. How true this is, especially in matters involving truth and ethical behavior.

But Jesus also assures us that the Holy Spirit will come to our rescue and will put into our mouths the right words to speak. Indeed, we be surprised at how we manage to face opposition when we rely on God’s help and guidance.

Jesus said to his Apostles: “Behold, I am sending you like sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and simple as doves. But beware of men, for they will hand you over to courts and scourge you in their synagogues, and you will be led before governors and kings for my sake as a witness before them and the pagans.

“When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say. You will be given at that moment what you are to say.

“For it will not be you who speak but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will hand over brother to death, and the father his child; children will rise up against parents and have them put to death.

“You will be hated by all because of my name, but whoever endures to the end will be saved. When they persecute you in one town, flee to another. Amen, I say to you, you will not finish the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.”