Persecutions

Scripture: Beware of men; for they will deliver you up to councils, and flog you in their synagogues, 18 and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear testimony before them and the Gentiles. 19 When they deliver you up, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour; 20 for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. 21 Brother will deliver up brother to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death; 22 and you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved. Matt 10:17-22

                       Reflection: A close look at the scripture reading and it seems very unusual.  On the one hand Jesus warns us to be bewaring of men and on the other hand he communicates to us that when they have delivered you up, do not be afraid. 

                       A disciple is always to be careful and cautious, persecution and trials are inevitable. They will happen and hence just as one has to be bewaring of the wild animals in a jungle, similarly, Jesus is asking us to be bewaring of men. 

What should have happened in the lives of each of the disciples happens only in the lives of a few? On the other hand we who are supposed to be the fulfillment of what Jesus said are in fact and many a times could be the instrument of persecution. This happens despite the fact that Jesus has already spoken to us about it. 

Prayer:  Lord, may I be guided by your wisdom when dealing with your people. 

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