Daily Reflection for Wednesday, November 25, 2020
Peace and Blessings, Friends and Parishioners,
We encourage you to reflect on Wednesday’s readings at this link:
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/112520.cfm
If you prefer to use your own Bible, the readings are:
First Reading: Revelation 15: 1-4
Responsorial: Psalm 98: 1-3AB, 7-9
Gospel: Luke 21: 12-19
Our reflection on Wednesday’s readings:
“By your perseverance you will secure your lives.” Luke 21: 19
The first reading and the responsorial psalm both declare, Great and wonderful are your works Lord God, Almighty!
Yes! We, as Christians can easily shout this with joy. Our Lord is revealed in all things beautiful – the face of a baby, the healing embrace of forgiveness, the hug of a loved one, the beauty in the sunrise and sunset. God is wonderful and so are his works! We are grateful to experience His works.
Both readings also address justice and truth. Just and true are your ways, in the first reading and He will rule the world with justice and the peoples with equity, in the responsorial psalm. We want that, especially when we or someone we love has been treated unfairly, lied about, or wronged by another. We want the situation righted. We want the truth revealed. We want good to prevail.
Then comes Jesus’ words in the Gospel today. You will be hated by all because of my name. Whoa! How does that fit? I like the great and wonderful works of God. I like the joy of seeing God in the eyes of a baby. I like justice and equity, truth, and righteousness. Being hated is not what I want in my life.
Maybe being a Christian is not about me. Maybe following Christ requires that I see justice and seek equity beyond my life. Maybe it means constant attention to how Christ sees the world, and all its people, rather than depending on my narrow vision.
If my heart and soul belong to Jesus, He dwells within. If He dwells within, it changes my view.
The Gospel ends with, By your perseverance you will secure your lives.
It takes vigilance and effort to stay focused on Christ’s lead while living in the chaos of the world. We are not perfect. We cannot see with perfect eyes, nor act with perfect love. But, we can persevere. Our souls long to follow Christ and be part of His kingdom.
Persevere in Christ, my friends.
Blessings to You,
Ruth Mytty