Wednesday, 34th Week OT A
November 25, 2020
Luke 21:12-19
In today’s gospel passage, Jesus tells us that we will be hated because of his name. Throughout the past two thousand years Christians have been persecuted for their faith. And this is not going to change until our Lord returns.
Have you ever asked yourself if you were put to the test of denying your faith or going to prison, which would I choose? While people are generally not going to prison for their faith today, many believers are experiencing persecution for their beliefs. And this persecution seems to be increasing in intensity today through culturally acceptable ideas that are direct attacks on our faith.
These ideas are promoted widely through the movies and TV shows so many people watch, as well as through social media. If you stand up for Catholic values online you are likely to be attacked, or at least ignored, by those have bought in to the idea that there is no absolute moral authority, no objective truth in the world.
This is the idea that my “truth” is just as valid as your “truth.” Who are you to tell me what is right or wrong? This modern belief is called RELATIVISM, the doctrine that knowledge, truth, and morality exist in relation to culture, society, or historical context. That there is no such thing as objective truth or morality. In other words, what I believe to be true is true for me.
Our Catholic belief that a loving God has revealed his absolute truth through his Son and has given us his laws to follow for our own good is a belief that is seen by so many as old-fashioned and irrelevant in this day and age.
The most obvious and sinister attack on our Catholic values in today’s culture of death is the belief that a woman’s “right” to choose to abort her child is more sacred than the very life she is carrying in her womb.
As faithful Catholics we can expect to be persecuted for our faith by those who feel as though they have no need for it, or who are threatened by it. People today simply don’t like to be told that certain thoughts and actions actually offend God and put their souls at risk of eternal damnation.
We must not be afraid to stand up for God in the face of the twisted, self-centered values that are promoted by today’s culture. When we take a stand for God we will certainly experience persecution. Jesus clearly tells us this in today’s gospel reading. He also tells us that if we persevere in our faith, taking a stand against the false doctrines of our day, that we will secure our lives.
So let us take heart in knowing that by remaining faithful to God’s commandments we will be rewarded with the awe-inspiring vision John speaks of in today’s first reading. That we will be counted among the citizens of heaven who have won victory over the beast, singing the song of the Lamb for all eternity.
Dear friends, always stand firm in the faith, no matter what others may say. Young people, be fearless in your defense of our faith, even if others make fun of you for it. Know that God is working in you and through you to make his gospel message known to all the world. Never be afraid to stand up for the truth that has been revealed to us by Christ. When you do you will experience joy and peace in this life, regardless of what others may think of you. God bless you.
