My Sisters and Brothers:
The teachings of Jesus found in today’s Gospel were given to his followers just days before he himself was arrested, and then eventually put to death on a cross by his enemies. He took the opportunity to warn his followers about the “end-times” and the tribulations they too would have to endure (see Luke 21:5-19). I’m sure you would agree many of his words were rather ominous; he said: “Your adversaries 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 . . . you will even be handed over by parents, brothers, sisters, relatives, and friends, and they will put some of you to death . . . you will be hated by all because of my name” (see verses 12, 16, and 17). Perhaps alluding to his future victory over suffering and death, and his own triumphal resurrection from the dead, he also encouraged his disciples with the words “but not a hair on your head will be destroyed . . . and by your perseverance you will secure your lives” (see verses 18 and 19).
Although we can expect struggles and sacrifices in our Christian lives, fortunately, most of us will never face any of the extreme types of trials and/or betrayals foretold by Jesus’ dire words. Surely all of us desire instead to experience Divine care and the security promised by his more hopeful words! But today, the message is we should be ready and prepared for any possible trial, big or small! Jesus promises strength for those who endure any tribulations because of his name, and this gives us great hope!
In our own time, we don’t need to look far to recognize who our adversaries might be. I believe our recent experience as citizens struggling through an often bitter and rancorous political campaign might demonstrate this well. If you were like me, then you might have found yourself involved in spirited debates with others who didn’t share your particular points of view about this or that candidate or ballot questions. Sometimes the rancor might even have been “ugly!” And if political positions were also based on deeply held religious convictions, then probably they were even more passionately expressed!
We all know how painful it is when we’ve had serious political disagreements with people for whom we’ve otherwise had great respect and admiration (especially when they are our “parents, brothers, sisters, relatives, and friends”). While this doesn’t exactly parallel what Jesus was talking about in the Gospel today (i.e., the “end-times” and persecutions), it might at least give us a frame of reference as we ponder our recent political season. This might then bring us some consolation and peace.
Jesus bluntly promised his followers there would be tribulations, but he also told them “not to worry” because God would protect them (even the hairs on their heads). Let’s not forget Jesus was disrespected by those who should have known better; he was mocked, arrested, dealt cruel punishments, and then was hung on a cross until he died. These things were done by people who were out of touch with what was “Godly.” But when all seemed most hopeless, it was just then Jesus’s power was in fact most victorious!
Our Christian faith promises us a share in Jesus’ triumphal resurrection from death to new life; I believe we can claim this even today, even in the face of any personal, communal or societal setbacks.
My friends, we need not despair! The Lord will always have the last word, and so let’s be confident that truth, goodness, and what is right, will ultimately prevail! Please, let’s encourage each other with this message of faith!
Praise God! Friar Timothy
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