Coming Persecutions

Today’s gospel passage describes the hostility and opposition which the disciples are to face. Jesus warns his disciples to be prepared for rejection and persecution. ‘I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves’: the apostles are in solidarity with the crowds who are like sheep without a shepherd. Jesus asks them to be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. The essential point, emphasized is that the disciples would undergo the same fate as their master, Jesus. They would be delivered to the councils, governors and kings. In the midst of persecution the disciples are assured of assistance of the Spirit of the Father, who would empower them to be his witnesses during times of trial. He warns them of betrayals, family conflicts and divisions.  The disciples should witness to the Gospel till the end, without any dispute. They must not expect to get better treatment than their master.  Jesus promised to come again within the generation of the living apostles. As a prelude to his Second Coming, this initial coming refers to his visitation of destruction upon unfaithful Jerusalem in A.D. 70, an event that destroyed his enemies and vindicated his words of judgment.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, bestow upon me the grace to be your disciple amidst all the persecutions and trials, knowing that you are always by my side. Amen