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.”

Reflection

When someone is treated poorly, when they are persecuted, when they are threatened with death, the typical response to that is major resistance. But what Jesus is describing here is there's a way in which if you accept it without resistance, there's a testimony that is so powerful. To see a person not take care of themselves implies that someone is taking care of them, that they will not really ultimately be harmed.

It had to be very confusing, and certainly created anger toward one who would have this gift when they did not.

Closing Prayer

Father, when we experience someone who simply refuses to be angry or resentful for the things that happen to them, it is very much of a puzzle. How can they do that? Where do they find that kind of acceptance? And it comes because they understand you, they know you, and they know that anything that comes to you is for you, and it is a witness that is so important. And we ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

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