MY daily reflection and prayer:
Wednesday, November 25, 2015
Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Dear my friends,
Here is the Gospel for us today according to St. Luke 21:12-19
But before all this they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name’s sake. This will be a time for you to bear testimony. Settle it therefore in your minds, not to meditate beforehand how to answer; for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict. You will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and kinsmen and friends, and some of you they will put to death; you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your lives.
This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ.
***
AGAIN in the Gospel today we read that Jesus warns us as his followers that we will be confronted with wickedness, false teaching, persecution, as well as the temptation to renounce our faith when it is put to the test.
As we know it well, the real enemy of the disciples of Jesus Christ is Satan, the powerful leader of the fallen angels who rebelled against God and who were cast out of heaven. Satan opposes God and all who follow his rule of peace and righteousness on the earth.
Now and in the future, Satan not only opposes God’s rule, he seeks to destroy all who would obey God. Satan will use any means possible to turn people away from God. Satan tempts people through envy, deception, hatred, and fear to provoke hostility towards those who follow the Lord Jesus Christ.
In the Perpetual Adoration of the Eucharist, while worshipping Jesus Christ, we learn from Jesus’ response to Satanic works with love, mercy, and forgiveness. Only love which is rooted in God’s great compassion and faithfulness can overcome prejudice, hatred, and envy.
Let’s pray: Lord Jesus Christ, your love purifies our heart and mind of all that would divide and tear people apart. You tell us that we must not need to fear those who would oppose us or treat us harshly for following you. Give us supernatural strength, wisdom, and courage as we take a stand for our faith and witness to your truth and love now and forever. Amen.
Kredit foto: Ilustrasi (Ist)
