Unprepared
Roman hall now a church in Trier, Germany.
In reading today’s Gospel, it sounds like we need to be prepared to do battle.
‘See, I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Beware of them, for they will hand you over to councils and flog you in their synagogues; and you will be dragged before governors and kings because of me, as a testimony to them and the Gentiles. When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you at that time; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death; and you will be hated by all because of my name. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. - Matthew 10:16-22
What if we don’t want to do battle, but want to keep the peace? Isn’t that what Jesus taught?
Jesus warns his followers that there will be people who will rise up against them for their belief. I thought that was then and this is now for the longest time. Who would rise up against Christians for believing in Christ?
But that is what is happening in many parts of the world today, and it is a bit scary. I admit that I am not prepared for battle.
But Jesus says I shouldn’t worry about what to say when I am challenged. The Holy Spirit will give me the words to say.
That’s where faith comes in.
Still, even knowing that, I find it all a bit troublesome, to say the least. I do not want to be persecuted for my faith. Who does?
So, I guess we need to pray, but I am thinking prayer is not enough. We are being called to spread the Gospel, despite the opposition to it. That’s a big deal.
We may not be able to change the minds of those who hate us and want to harm us, but we need to stick to our faith and that means sharing what we know.
That’s our biggest challenge, and though it may lead to persecution, and we may not feel prepared, it is what we are called to do.
Nobody ever said it would be easy.
More to come...