Our Lord is presenting
some challenging words to His disciples, and to us, in today’s gospel. I am
sure the apostles were having some seconds thoughts about being Jesus’
followers when they heard that they will be handed over to courts and will be
scourged for proclaiming the Word of God. Further, our Lord talks about family
divisions for those who follow him: brother will hand over brother, father his
child, children will rise up against parents. It doesn’t sound like the kind of
life that most people will strive to live.
But that is the challenge we all face once we
know the truth that Jesus is Lord and Savior. Our relationship with God,
through Jesus Christ, is central to who we are as Christians. We in the 21st
century will most likely not face death or martyrdom in our following Jesus.
But we can and do face challenges in our relationship with others in our
families and at our jobs because of our faith and following the commands of
God. We have children or relatives who do not agree with the teachings of the
Church and challenge us about these teachings. There are also those in the
workplace that challenge us in believing and accepting the church’s teachings
on such things as the sin of abortion. We are called to respond with the truth
of God’s teachings in these issues.
Our Lord promises that he will send the Spirit to inspire us to respond in a way that is appropriate. “Do not worry about what you are to speak or what you are to say. For it will not be you who speak but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.”
Our Lord promises that he will send the Spirit to inspire us to respond in a way that is appropriate. “Do not worry about what you are to speak or what you are to say. For it will not be you who speak but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.”
As Catholic Christians
we are called to not only share the truth of our faith in Jesus Christ, we are
also called to pray for those in our lives that may not be in relationship with
Him, and as a result reject the truths of His teachings. Each time you approach
the altar to receive our Lord in Holy Communion be sure to pray for those in
your lives that may be away from the church. Pray that they may be open to the
truth of Jesus Christ.
Heavenly Father, thank
you for the gift of Jesus Christ, your Son, as our Savior. Give us the courage
to share this good news with others, and may they be open to receiving this
good news. Amen.
Had the privilege of hearing your homily- nicely done!🙏
ReplyDeleteThe following is from a friend sent via email:
ReplyDeleteI like it, Deacon Tom. Very wise words!
Yes, we should persevere, as you suggest, in our prayers for all those poor souls within our families, friends, and co-workers who do not agree with the teachings of the Church and challenge us about these teachings With all due respect, I wish to add, “and especially for those individuals, who for the purpose of their own self-interest, will publicly acknowledge whatever Church's teaching is most prevalent at the moment, yet, will in reality, live their own life in contrast to the 2 greatest commandments of God:
"to love God with all your soul, heart and mind; and to love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:36-40
You are so correct to say, "Our relationship with God, through Jesus Christ, is central to who we are as Christians.”
Not only do I wholeheartedly agree with you when you also, add, "There are also those in the workplace that challenge us in believing and accepting the church’s teachings on such things as the sin of abortion. We are called to respond with the truth of God’s teachings in these issues.”.
However , I dare add, "We are called to respond in LOVE and HUMILITY to ALL of God’s teachings and issues, as we acknowedge when we pray the 1st petition to God, Our Father, in the greatest prayer of all prayers, which Jesus gave us, The OUR Father:
“ May His Will Be Done, here on Earth as it is in Heaven"."
Praise be to God,
NV, OCDS