Persecution is the Part of Jesus' Mission

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : C Cycle : 8th Week - Tuesday*

*GOSPEL -  Mk 10:28-31*

*First Reading - 1 Pt 1:10-16*

*Persecution is the Part of Jesus' Mission*

*1) Peter clarifies the fate of the Followers of Jesus*

The conversation between Jesus and Peter clearly highlights the fate of the followers of Jesus 

Peter asks what will be the reward for those who sacrifice everything for the sake of Jesus? 

Jesus gives a list of things that will happen to the followers of Jesus. Thus it shows us the clear way about the fate of the followers of Jesus. 

*2) Jesus clearly mentions about persecution in the reward list*

Jesus says all those who have left everything for the sake of Jesus they will receive a hundred times more now in this present age:

Houses

Brothers and sisters

Mothers and children

Lands

But Jesus also adds two more things;  they are 

Persecution in the present age 

Eternal life in the age to come

So the aspect of persecution is found the list of reward 

*3) Persecution in the Early Church*

As Jesus foretold about the persecution, it became a reality in the early life of the Church 

Soon after the death of Jesus persecution became the central point of control the Christians 

In the first few centuries, persecution was so cruel and harsh, people were burnt alive, they were given to the lions and many were crucified and were killed 

So such was the persecution for following and proclaiming Jesus

*4) Persecution Today*

Today we see the wide spread persecution against Christians all over the world.

Churches are being burnt and demolished. It is a kind of persecution against Christians

Anti conversion bill, which makes a lot of noise these days is another form of persecution against Christians

The portraits of Jesus and holy images are vandalised these days. This is also another form of persecution against Christians

*5) How do I look at persecution*

At times we feel that we have been targeted for our faith and the values, which we upohold 

At times we feel that there should be no persecution against us. 

But the fact is, there wasn't a time, where there was no persecution. 

The entire life of the Church has faced severe persecutions, yet it has survived. 

So, persecution is the part of our faith.

*6) The best comes out, when we are challenged*

Only when there is a challenge, we become alert. 

The best comes out when we are challenged. 

So persecution is a constant challenge to every Christian, which makes us to become strong in our faith 

It is said, Church exists because of Persecution. Persecution makes church alive and active 

*What is my out look about persecution??*

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*