Preparation

Today’s Gospel Text: 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: On the one hand we speak of preparation and on the other hand Jesus is asking us here not to prepare our defense when we are led before Councils, Governors and kings.

At the outset itself let me tell you plainly: If you have not prepared yourself to meet your God then you will never be led before any Governors, councils and kings in the first place. 

The reason why we would be led before these men of authority is on account of our faithfulness and loyalty to Christ Jesus and his teachings; his teachings are contrary to the values of this world. 

There is no 'what if' here; whether if one is not loyal or faithful. Our point of discussion is not in analyzing those who are not followers of Christ Jesus and could be dragged before these people in authorities

We are only interested in those who are faithful to the teachings of Christ and seek to walk in the footsteps of Christ faithfully and diligently.

When Jesus teaches his disciples not to prepare, he specifically asks his disciples to do so and that too specifically in the area of defense and speech.

This means that their lives should be more a life that is always ready and prepared to meet any eventuality of life, including the persecution that is going to be let loose on them by the spiritual leaders like that of the Synagogue and the political leaders and magistrates of their times.  

This means that whoever claims to be followers of Christ have to face this situation in their life and undergoing such tribulations they will be proving the words of Christ and hence confirming themselves as disciples of Christ.

If we do not see much of these things happenings in our times, it is on account of the universalism and secularization of faith in which many walk including some of the leaders of the new synagogue; the theologians and the heirachy.

Are you prepared to allow Christ to prepare you so as not to prepare yourself or be anxious when brought before those in authority? This is what we all need to seek as true Christians. 

Prayer: Lord, help me to be a true follower of you and carry the flame of faith always high and lifted.

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