Daily Gospel Reflection for October 17, 2015

Today's Gospel: Luke 12:8-12

Memorial of Saint Ignatius of Antioch, Bishop and Martyr

In our society today we constantly have to worry about saying not only the right thing, but also saying it in a way that is acceptable to all. This can be really nerve-wracking, especially when it comes to a subject that can be controversial! Where we have to be very careful, though, is never to allow ourselves to deny our Lord in any way. It’s not an uncommon conversation “around the water cooler” these days for someone to be asked, “You don’t really believe there is a God, do you?” The answer must always be an emphatic yes. In fact, an additional statement of “and He believes in you too,” as you return to your desk can really get others to thinking. We are in a time in history where we are going to have to stand up for our belief in God. Look at the Christians in the Middle East. The least we can do is admit to His existence. Besides, the final sentence in today’s gospel is a promise that the Holy Spirit will give you the words. We’re not on our own. St. Ignatius of Antioch, whose feast we celebrate today, gives us this advice, “It is not that I want merely to be called a Christian, but to actually be one. Yes, if I prove to be one, then I can have the name...Come fire, cross, battling with wild beasts, wrenching of bones, mangling of limbs, crushing of my whole body, cruel tortures of the Devil—Only let me get to Jesus Christ!”

Ponder:

Am I prepared to defend my belief in Christ if I am asked to do so? Am I willing to do whatever must be done in His defense?

Pray:

Lord, our world is changing. Living in a country that used to be openly Christian is becoming more and more challenging. Please give me the courage to always stand up for you, even to the point of ridicule, or even worse, just as You did for me in Your passion and death. Amen.

We thank our friends at The Word Among Us for providing our gospel reflection team with copies of Abide In My Word 2015: Mass Readings at Your Fingertips. To pray the daily gospels with this wonderful resource, visit The Word Among Us.

Copyright 2015 Diane Schwind