A reading from the gospel according to Luke 21:12-19
Jesus said to the crowd:
12 “They will seize and persecute you, they will hand you over to the synagogues and to prisons, and they will have you led before kings and governors because of my name.
13 It will lead to your giving testimony.
14 Remember, you are not to prepare your defense beforehand,
15 for I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute.
16 You will even be handed over by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends, and they will put some of you to death.
17 You will be hated by all because of my name,
18 but not a hair on your head will be destroyed.
19 By your perseverance you will secure your lives.”
Reflection: Perseverance
Once again, Jesus is reminding us of the cost of following Him. Indeed, to walk in His ways is not at all a walk in the park. As believers, we are called upon to witness to the truth, to give light to a dark world, and to be salt to a tasteless society. Yet, in doing so, we will encounter opposition and persecution.
Witnessing to the truth is not easy because many people are accustomed to lying and they will hate you for exposing the truth. To be a light is dangerous because many people prefer to be in darkness. That is their comfort zone. To be salt is a thankless endeavor because many people do not care who is doing good. By itself, truth is divisive. Light is painful because its heat might be unbearable to many people. Salt has a low value although it gives a lot of benefits.
Yet Jesus tells us to persevere in order to secure a place in His kingdom. We should never be afraid to do what is right even when family and friends tell us to keep quiet or else we lose them. When they bring us to court, we should be willing to be jailed just like Paul, Peter and the other martyrs and saints after them.
God sees everything. He knows even the smallest act of kindness that we do. Let us always seek to do His will even if it endangers our life. That is what it means to be a hero in His sight.
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Jesus speaks to His disciples about the trials they will face because of their faith in Him. He warns them of persecution, betrayal, and suffering, yet assures them that their endurance will lead to salvation. This passage, though somber, is profoundly inspiring, calling us to trust God amid difficulties and find hope in His promises.
Jesus begins by preparing His followers for the reality of persecution: “But before all this, they will lay hands on you and persecute you” (Luke 21:12). He does not sugarcoat the challenges of discipleship. Life as a follower of Christ is not exempt from hardship; in fact, it often involves standing firm in faith against opposition. For many of us, this may manifest as ridicule, strained relationships, or rejection because of our beliefs. Yet, Jesus emphasizes that these trials are opportunities to testify about Him.
When we face challenges, our natural response is often fear or frustration. However, Jesus reassures His disciples, “I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict” (Luke 21:15). This promise reminds us that God equips us for the battles we face. We do not stand alone. The Holy Spirit empowers us with the courage and wisdom to speak the truth in love, even when it is uncomfortable or risky.
Perhaps the most striking aspect of this passage is Jesus’ call to endure: “Stand firm, and you will win life” (Luke 21:19). Endurance does not mean passive resignation but active trust in God’s sovereignty. It is the determination to remain faithful, even when circumstances seem bleak. For the early disciples, this meant holding fast to their faith despite imprisonment or even death. For us, endurance might involve resisting the temptation to compromise our values, persisting in prayer, or continuing to love and serve others despite challenges.
Jesus also addresses betrayal, saying that even family and friends may turn against His followers. This reality is painful, yet it underscores the depth of commitment required to follow Christ. Our ultimate allegiance is to Him, and He promises that no trial, no matter how severe, can separate us from His love.
This passage is a call to courage, perseverance, and trust. It reminds us that our faith is not measured by the absence of challenges but by how we respond to them. When trials come, we have an opportunity to deepen our reliance on God and be a witness to His grace and power.
As we reflect on the Gospel above, let us remember that the trials we face are not in vain. They are part of our journey toward spiritual maturity and eternal life. With each step, God is with us, strengthening us, guiding us, and reminding us that our endurance is not just about surviving; it’s about thriving in faith. May we stand firm, trusting that our hope in Christ will never be in vain.
