Reflection for Friday, 14th week of Ordinary Time 

By

 

Fr. Aloysius Santiago sdb
Rector and Parish Priest, Bidar

Today's Gospel Verses

Matthew 10: 16 - 20

“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. Be on your guard; you will be handed over to the local councils and be flogged in the synagogues. On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. 

Reflection after Meditative Reading of Today's WORD of GOD 

Many may Have a Wrong Idea about Faith & Its Power & Effect of It. 

Their Thinking is: If I Have Faith, then I should Not Get Any Problem; or at Least, even if I Get Them. 

They should be Overcome Easily & Disappear. But, GOD has Never Promised This. 

HE Never Declared, Believe & Worship ME & I will Never Allow Any Problems to Beset U. 

But One Thing is Sure. HE Promises to Help Out Those who Trust in HIM. 

HE Assures Them to Accompany Them, to Sustain, Encourage & Guide Them. 

HE will Not Guarantee a Complete Absence of Difficulties. But HE Confirms HIS Assistance.

This is what We See in Today's Readings. In the Gospel from Matthew 10: 16 - 23, JESUS is Sending HIS Disciples on HIS Mission. 

HE is No False Leader, Trying to Hide the Facts & Present a Cozy Picture. 

He Speaks to Them Plainly of the Challenges of This Mission. 

They will be like Sheep Among Wolves. They will be Persecuted, Disowned, & Hated for HIS Sake. 

However, It is Not to Scare Them; rather, It is to Alert Them & Mentally Prepare Them to Encounter Impending Adversities. 

A True Disciple shall Not Shelter Himself or Herself in illusory Ambitions & Comfort Zones.

Further, HE will Not Leave Us as Lone Fighters in This Battle. HE will Stand by Us with HIS Spirit of Wisdom & Courage. 

Thus HE Assures Them, “Do Not Be Anxious how U are to Speak … for what U are U to Say will be Given to U in that Hour; for It is Not U who Speak, but the Spirit of the FATHER Speaking Through U”. 

All that is Needed is 2b Wise, Innocent, & Persevere: Be Wise to Discern; Be Innocent to Remain Uncontaminated; & Be Persevering Not to Give Up.

The Quality of a True Follower of CHRIST is His or Her Loyalty to the End, in the Midst, & in spite of All the Adversities & Discouraging Experiences. This Alone will Bring Him or Her a Rich Reward!

Good morning

Have a blessed Friday

Let's pray for the sick and suffering