Friday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Hos. 14:2-10 Ps. 51:3-4, 8-9, 12-14, 17 Mt.10:16-23
Israel is brought to repentance for its evil ways and turns to God. God, in turn, looks lovingly upon Israel and forgives them their evil ways. Jesus tells the disciples what lies ahead for them. This is not a pretty picture of an easy life. In fact, Jesus lays it out in rather plain language. “You will be brought to trial … You will be flogged, …. Be on guard, … brother will hand over brother… children will turn against their parents, ….” What is the reason for this? If you are a follower of Christ, you cannot expect to be treated differently than He. Who will come to your aid? The Holy Spirit will tell you what to say. It is the Spirit of the Father who will be speaking to you. What will the reward be? You will escape death, not physical death but spiritual death and you will have gained the reward of eternal life.
Do we have to worry about actual persecution today? Probably not, but we will be examined. People will call us names. We will be laughed at and ridiculed. People will not accept us into their circles. Are you willing to endure this? Do you realize that it is in the small deeds of each day that you preach the good news of Christ? Will you be faithful in these small deeds? Take time to ask Christ for the Spirit of the Father to give you all the strength you need in the small tasks of each day. In doing so, you will earn eternal life.