Gospel – Luke 21:5-19

While some people were speaking about
how the temple was adorned with costly stones and votive offerings,
Jesus said, “All that you see here–
the days will come when there will not be left
a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down.”

Then they asked him,
“Teacher, when will this happen?
And what sign will there be when all these things are about to happen?”
He answered,
“See that you not be deceived,
for many will come in my name, saying,
‘I am he,’ and ‘The time has come.’
Do not follow them!
When you hear of wars and insurrections,
do not be terrified; for such things must happen first,
but it will not immediately be the end.”
Then he said to them,
“Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.
There will be powerful earthquakes, famines, and plagues
from place to place;
and awesome sights and mighty signs will come from the sky.

“Before all this happens, however,
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 on Sunday Gospel

Let us remember we are in the holy presence of God…

Have you ever been bullied?  By being your own person you take a stand for your beliefs.  When you do the right thing even when it is the opposite direction taken by the majority, you feel like you are standing alone.  Jesus was bullied by the politicians and the religious leaders of his day for doing the will of the Father.  His assertive behavior threatened them and they retaliated.

This Sunday’s Gospel reading presents us with a Christ who is coaching us to be prepared for the difficult life of a follower.  Why? “…because of (his) name”, we will be misunderstood, mistreated, abused, and persecuted. We accept the sign of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit on our forehead at Baptism.  This marking consecrates us to Jesus and a way of life that constantly challenges us to choose the cross.  This difficult task presents us with opportunities to give “testimony” to the ways we avoid sin and walk a less popular path.  What is your “testimony” of faith?  What preserves your resolve?

St. John Baptist de La Salle … Pray for Us!
Live Jesus in our Hearts … Forever!

Ms. Lorraine D’Agostino