HATED BY MEN BUT LOVED BY GOD

Friday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time: Year C Matthew 10:16-23 Following Jesus is not an easy way. There will be hostility, lack of support, betrayal, opposition and severe persecution like imprisonment and eventually death. “Everyone will hate you because of me.” Friends, what should be our response to these? First, be cunning as the snake and be gentle as the dove. Behave like a snake. Be wise! You know what, persecution is just a threat but it cannot defeat us. It will scare us but cant overpower us. It will shake us but cant break us. Second, when persecuted and arrested, stand firm. Be steadfast. “Whoever stand firm to the end will be saved.” Friends, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Stand firm for the Lord. Never give up. When our feet are on the right place nobody can break us for the Lord will be our strenght. Finally, when we are persecuted, oppossed and criticized behave like a sheep. Never be wolf to a wolf. “When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next.” Friends, do not force people to accept your beliefs. There are three solutions to every problem. Accept it. Change it. Leave it. If you can’t accept it, change it. If you can’t change it leave it. Blessings Fr. Jhack