Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“By your perseverance you will secure your lives.”

Gospel Reading: 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.”

Today’s Gospel reading is a continuation of the reading from yesterday. The Gospel tells us what will happen if we stand up for our faith. Jesus tells us, “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.” Is this not still true today? Are people not still persecuted for their belief in God and for following Christ? Have you ever heard someone called a “Jesus Freak.” Just try inserting Jesus into a conversation and see if it does not yield a silent pause for the other participants. Have you ever been accused of being too religious? Many of us withdraw and subdue our religious beliefs and convictions so we do not get labeled or ridiculed. Jesus says not to worry “for I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute.” In other words, Jesus is telling us to stand tall for our beliefs because he will being standing right there with us to protect us. Jesus is calling us to be martyrs for our faith. What’s interesting is that Jesus says that you will be delivered to the synagogues and the prisons. Therefore, you will be persecuted not only by society in general, but also by people who go to church with you. He says, “You will even be handed over by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends, and they will put some of you to death.” This passage gives testimony to the depth of faith Christ is calling us to have. We must be willing to put it all on the line for him. We must be willing to carry big signs that say, “I am a Christian and I believe in God.” You should not hide your faith but display it for all to see. You should scream Christ when you walk down the street. And most importantly, you should have confidence in your beliefs. We are called to be living witnesses for the good news and joy presented in the Gospels. Do not be afraid of your faith. It’s ok to be a Jesus Freak. It’s cool to be a disciple of Christ.

Yours in Christ

Lord Father in heaven, I am your soldier;

Defender of the faith, martyr for the gospels.

Give me strength to bear witness to the Good News

Give me strength to withstand those who will judge me

For your name’s sake, for I am your loyal servant.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon