24 November 2021 Luke 21:12-19
Wednesday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time
BLESSED TORMENTS
“But before all this, they will seize you and persecute you. They will hand you over to synagogues and put you in prison, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name. And so you will bear testimony to me (Luke 21:12-13).
During winter trees appear dormant and dead on the surface but in the ground, the roots are active and growing and the roots tend to sink deeply into the earth.
Jesus predicts the coming of tragedies and tribulations for his disciples such as persecution by religious or political leaders, betrayal by family members and hatred from everybody. In today’s world Christian faith is persecuted by the secular world by making a mockery and ridicule of the faith practices. Secular media bully the sublime dispositions of the faithful.
But Jesus tells them that sufferings and persecutions will offer chances for best possible testimony. Also just like trees in the winter season which try to sink its roots deeper into the soil, the persecution will help a disciple to grow into a deeper union with the Lord.
Deeper relationships are found in families passing through hardships. Relationships seem peripheral in families without hardships. Amen.