10/21/2023 (Saturday) Today’s gospel reading: Luke 12:8-12
Jesus said to his disciples:
8 “I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before others the Son of Man will acknowledge before the angels of God.
9 But whoever denies me before others will be denied before the angels of God.
10 “Everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but the one who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.
11 When they take you before synagogues and before rulers and authorities,
do not worry about how or what your defense will be or about what you are to say.
12 For the Holy Spirit will teach you at that moment what you should say.”
10/21/2023 (Saturday) Today’s gospel reflection / Homily / Sermon: Luke 12:8-12
The gospel reading above is both a warning and an encouragement. Jesus is warning His followers not to be ashamed or afraid of acknowledging Him as Lord and Savior everywhere. He is also warning them about blasphemy – that is, insulting or distrusting God the Holy Spirit, the third Person of the Blessed Trinity. On the other hand, Jesus gives the assurance of His presence and support through the Holy Spirit.
Jesus demands nothing than faithfulness in good times and in bad times. While He promised that He will never leave His followers as orphans (John 14:18), He does not deny difficulties ahead. In fact, He is saying that some of them will be brought to “synagogues and before rulers and authorities” for questioning (Luke 12:11). Nonetheless, if they remain true to their faith in Him, the Holy Spirit will provide the wisdom and courage so that they will not be intimidated.
Indeed, there are many obstacles in following Jesus. Most of these hindrances have to do with people who do not want to be part of the Kingdom. Satan is using them to dissuade us and lead us away from the right path. However, we must never give up. We must always remember that God is almighty and that He is more than enough. Even when people persecute us, we cannot be defeated, not even silenced. We just have to ask the Holy Spirit to guide and strengthen us.
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