BEING SHEEP AMIDST WOLVES ~ CookingFood.Org

“HONEY FROM THE ROCK”

Daily Reflections

Friday, 14th July 2017,

Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Gen 46:1-7, 28-30;

Ps 36:3-4, 18-19, 27-28, 39-40;

Mt 10: 16-23

BEING SHEEP AMIDST WOLVES

“The tree that bears good fruits gets more stones”; likewise every Christian who sincerely follows the gospel values will undergo persecution. In today’s Gospel Jesus gives us certain instructions, when such things come on our way, and what we need to do. “You are sent out like sheep among wolves”. Jesus calls us sheep because we are defenseless and do not use violence; instead we use message of love, forgiveness, peace and justice as our weapons to treat our persecutors. And these spiritual values become a threat to them so they are eager to destroy us. Secondly, “You must be wise as serpents and innocent as doves”. We need to be creative and inventive while dealing with the matters of the world or it may engross our spiritual life and we may become worldly. Thirdly, “do not worry about what to say and how to say it.” The Holy Spirit descended on the Apostles during the Pentecost and strengthened them to bear witness to Christ. We have received the same Spirit of God during our Baptism; he will guide us and speak through us when we are questioned by the authorities, provided we cooperate with him.

The persecution of Christians has been alive and well throughout the ages. It has happened in every time and in every culture. It continues to be alive today. Many Christians can fall into the trap of thinking that Christianity is all about simply “getting along.” It’s easy to believe that if we are loving and kind then everyone will also love us. But that’s not what Jesus said. Jesus made it clear that persecution is going to be a part of the Church and that we should not be surprised when this happens to us. When this happens it is easy for us to lose faith and to lose heart. We can get discouraged and feel like turning our faith into a hidden life we live. How ready and willing you are to face the hostility of the world?

The words of Jesus encourage and strengthen us in the face of increasing threats. During these persecutions one must not become a wolf, rather remaining as sheep must continue to follow the gospel values and must bear witness to Christ wisely and creatively. When everything is done for the love of Christ, our life’s purpose is fulfilled and we will have our reward in the life to come.

Prayer: Lord, give me strength, courage and wisdom as I live my faith in a world hostile to You. May I respond with love and mercy in the face of harshness and misunderstanding. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen