Courage Under Persecution

11 July 2011

Today’s Readings: Ex 1:8-14, 22 / Mt 10:34-11:1

REFLECTION
Authentic discipleship and total commitment calls for self-renunciation. One who accepts the good news that Jesus brings creates within oneself a division of priorities of values. Peace is related to the cross and the cross is equated with mission and denying of oneself.

In today’s Gospel Jesus comes to bring peace and reconcile all men and women to God. However a rift in one’s relationship with others often results where one commits himself to Christ. This is because discipleship has to take precedence over all human relationships. And in the course of taking up one’s cross, one must be ready to endure hostility even from the members of one’s family.

Jesus assures us of eternal life and eternal joy if we wash ourselves clean, put all our misdeeds before the eyes of the Lord, cease doing evil and learn to do good – make justice our aim.

PRAYER
Loving Father , inspire and enlighten us in doing what is right and pleasing to you., Take away whatever hinder us from fulfilling our mission.

In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.