We don’t have to be afraid. Today’s readings may send chills down our spines, but the invitation to us is not to fear. In this final handful of days in the liturgical year, we are given a “great and awe-inspiring” vision from Revelation (Revelation 15:1-4), complete with plagues, God’s fury, and a “sea of glass, mingled with fire.” But what about those faithful ones who remain? They have made it through the maelstrom and are holding harps, singing songs, and praising the glory of God. They sing of “fearing God,” whose awesome power has saved them, but not of being afraid.
In the gospel today (Luke 21:12-19), Jesus delivers an ominous message to his followers: life will be difficult for those who live the gospel. If we really turn our hearts over and live as Jesus asks us to, we will find ourselves cut off from many of the support systems in our world, mocked by those in authority and perhaps reviled by family and friends. Living the truth of the gospel is not easy and speaking it out loud will challenge those around us. It will not go easy for us, whether we are challenging our government’s policies or our own family’s spending habits. But as followers of Jesus, we are called to live by unpopular standards.
How are we asked to speak that truth in our lives today? Who are the most powerless people in our lives – and how are we protecting them? Who are the poor among us to whom we are asked to give special care? How are we speaking out to help them, to fight for their dignity and needs?
What encouragement does Jesus offer us in living our lives as Christians? He offers us his presence as a source of strength and wisdom. He promises that if we trust in Him, the right words will be given to us at the right time. We can expect difficulties, pressure to conform, and apathy to the message we carry. We are asked by Jesus to die for this message, even if the death is only of our own needs to be popular and to be honored by the world.
He promises us challenges, but He also offers us solace in Him: “You will be hated by all because of my name, but not a hair on your head will be destroyed. By your perseverance you will secure your lives.”
It is a message that helps us to transcend being afraid at whatever the world throws at us, but we are not afraid. What He is offering to us is a rebirth and a new life in Him.
May God Bless You and Grant You His Peace!