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by Lito Dawa Jn. 10: 31-42 
I n our pursuit for truth, in our desire to live a meaningful life and as we yearn to follow the lead of Christ, we get persecutions from our family, peers, colleagues and friends.
It is always a painful experience but we have to stand for what we believe in, fight the good fight and finish the race overcoming every stumbling block along the way.
Jesus was stoned by the Jews for claiming that He was the Son of God. He told the Jews that the “Father is in me and I in the Father.” They could not accept the truth that the Messiah was within their midst doing the works of the Father. That humbling experience did not stop Jesus from fulfilling His mission of saving mankind through His passion, death and resurrection.
In my early years in the community, my late beloved mother took notice of my active involvement in the community's activities. Back then, she would advise me to seek greener pastures by migrating or by working abroad.
An opportunity to earn more is so tempting, but I strongly believe that the privilege to serve God is more important than anything.
Many active and faithful workers in God’s mission field have experienced the same pressure from their families. But they opted to stand for Jesus by becoming missionaries in isolated places, devoting time in reaching out to our brethren in need, in the process giving up their comforts and conveniences just so God s kingdom can be shared with others.
They counter all the persecutions thrown at them by becoming happy, peaceful and contented in life. They prove to the whole world that with Jesus we will lack nothing, that God alone will satisfy our every need.
Friends, as we reflect on the life of Jesus, may we take the courage to awaken the heart of the missionary within us. We are sent by God to our families and friends to proclaim the Good News.
We must be prepared to face all the persecutions and criticisms they will throw at us. Take courage because “If God is with us, who can be against us?”
Prayer:
Dear God, as we take part in Your mission, give us the strength to handle all the rejections and persecutions thrown at us. There is no easy way to eternal life, but with Your love and mercy we can overcome all hindrances along the way. Amen. |
