Jesus, if we allow Him, will always “prepare” us in different ways, whether through a passage of Scripture, a homily from a priest or deacon, or our own prayer life. – Fr. Lalo Jara, OFM
In the Gospel reading for this Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, Jesus lists several bad things that could happen to both unbelievers and disciples. Beginning with the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem, Jesus mentions most of the terrifying events that people thought would bring about the end of the world.
However, Jesus offers two pieces of advice. First, he advises us not to be deceived by anyone who says this is the end or who claims to be Jesus. When Jesus returns, there will be no doubt about who he is. We won’t have to find out about it on the news. Second, we shouldn’t be terrified by natural disasters or wars. Wars, epidemics, earthquakes, and everything else have happened throughout history and will happen again.
As disciples of Jesus Christ, we are called to respond to disasters, not with fear, but with love. We are called to volunteer to help those affected, comfort survivors, or assist in rebuilding their homes and schools.
There is a saying that goes, “No good deed goes unpunished.” Jesus never says that his disciples would receive rewards for their acts of charity. Rather, in the second half of the Gospel, Jesus says that his disciples will be persecuted, hated, and betrayed, even by their own families. However, Jesus gives us advice for when we face such situations.
He encourages us by telling us that persecution is an opportunity to bear witness to our faith. This sounds strange at first. Unlike a lawyer who rehearses with a witness before entering the courtroom, Jesus tells us not to prepare a defense, but to let Him give us the necessary words. What does this mean? That Jesus, if we allow Him, will always “prepare” us in different ways, whether through a passage of Scripture, a homily from a priest or deacon, or our own prayer life. All these ways prepare us and help us open ourselves to the gifts of the Holy Spirit, which will enable us to proclaim our faith without fear.
May the Lord always give you his peace.
Fr. Lalo Jara, OFM
Pastor, Mission San Luis Rey Parish
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