Wednesday of 34th week in ordinary time
Rev. 15: 1-4 Luke 21: 12-19
Theme: Be prepared
In our gospel reading from St. Luke, Jesus presents to us wonderful words of encouragement and prepares us for what awaits us as his followers in the future. With these words, we should be ready and prepared for the persecutions and difficulties that we may have to encounter because of the choice we have made for Christ. Jesus is preparing the minds of his followers about what awaits us in the future. It is something that we cannot really run away from, except if we decide to live our lives according to the ways of the world, which may not be according to the teachings of the word of God.
Dear friends in Christ, amidst all these challenges that await us in the future according to Jesus, he is saying that we should be courageous, because he will always be with us to guide and speak for us when it matters most. Suffice it to say that we will not come to any harm, because God will always be by our side to guide, direct and always protect us. The challenges and the difficulties that we will face because of the choice we have made by embracing Christianity, cannot be compared to the blessings that awaits us in the future.
However, we must be conscious of the fact that we will have to pay a price for choosing to do the right thing and standing against the ways of the world. But we must be strengthened by the assurance given to us by Jesus in the gospel reading. The sacrifices we make cannot be compared to the reward that awaits us, for being true ambassadors of Christ in the world. We are all encouraged today to embrace the gospel of Christ, by striving to live according to the gospel imperatives and living a life that is good and pleasing to God. Remember nothing good comes easy, so the challenges that we will encounter because of our call to discipleship should not discourage us from being true Disciples of Christ. Jesus made it easier for us by giving us an insight on what awaits us because of our call to discipleship.
Dearly beloved in Christ, let us remain resolute in our Christian faith, no matter the situation we find ourselves in life. The assurance of Jesus in today’s gospel should be a source of great strength for all of us as children of God. May almighty God bless his words in our heart in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Peace be with you.