Daily Gospel Reflection for December 26, 2014

Today's Gospel: Matthew 10: 17-22

Jesus is again reminding the disciples that there will be times of persecution and division ahead – brother against brother, father against child, and child against parents. Sounds impossible, doesn’t it? But it could happen, even in the closest of families. The evil one will stop at nothing to destroy families, ravage Christians, and cause chaos.

Jesus gives us hope. There is a plan that is greater than our comprehension, and the Planner is far more wise, powerful, and loving than those who cause the strife. God will be victorious over all in spite of our weakness and the devil’s cunning.

Jesus did not promise us that everything will go perfectly, but he did promise that everything will come to a perfect end. “You will be hated by all because of my name, but whoever endures to the end will be saved,” he said.

Even when it seems like the walls are falling down around us and there is no hope in sight, Jesus will help us to endure. We need only reach out to him and hang on no matter what happens. Standing up for our faith can be scary, and family divisions can be excruciatingly painful. We may even be hated because of Jesus’ name. The goal isn’t to avoid or stop the difficulty; it’s to endure to the end. Those of us who do, will be saved.

Ponder:

Where can I choose hope instead of fear?

Pray:

Jesus, I don’t want to be part of persecution and division, especially in my own family. Yet, I know that your plan is perfect and that you allow such trials for a good reason, even if I don’t know the reason. Help me, please, to endure until the end. And help all those I love to do the same. Amen.

Copyright 2014 Marge Fenelon