Daily Gospel Reflection for November 24, 2021

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Today's Gospel: Luke 21:12-19

Today’s Gospel offers us a startling reminder of what it means to be a disciple of Christ. Through the witness of today’s saint and his companions, we see the vivid portrayal of regular people, like you and me, who traveled the road of persecution. St. Andrew Dung-Lac and Companions were Vietnamese Christians who gave their lives for the love of God throughout the 17th through 19th centuries. St. Andrew Dung-Lac was ordained into the priesthood before his martyrdom in 1839.

Yet, despite the persecution that many disciples and martyrs faced, Christ gave them the same message that He gives to us today – God will give us the courage, the wisdom, and the words that will provide defense in the face of trials and accusations.

We are warned that, because of our love, we shall be hated, we shall be persecuted, and even our own families will betray us. Yet, “by your perseverance you will secure your lives.” The physical cost of discipleship will seem extraordinary, but the eternal reward is well worth the pain of today.

Today, we are reminded that our lives on earth, and the persecution we may be called to suffer, will be a moment of time when compared to the salvation of eternity.

When we lean on God in faith and offer Him our trust, He will guide our words and our actions. He will bring us safely into His eternal embrace.

Finally, with St. Andrew Dung-Lac and Companions, we see that God will fulfill His promise.

St. Andrew Dung-Lac and Companions, pray for us.

Ponder:

When you struggle to defend your faith, how often do you remember to let God lead your steps?

Pray:

Lord, grant me the wisdom and courage to let You speak through me. Thank You for giving us witness of martyrs who have shown us how to bravely follow You, no matter the physical price.