CHRISTIANITY IS MARTYRDOM

 *WEDNESDAY 29 November 2023* 


Weekday (34)   


First Reading. Daniel 5: 1-6, 13-14, 16-17, 23-25.

PSALM Daniel 3: 40-45 (R. 40b)

Gospel. Luke 21: 12-19


 *CHRISTIAN FAITH IS MARTYRDOM* 

My dear, here are some facts about our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ which runs through us, His faithful followers.


Remember, whatever happens to the head, affects the whole body, and since Christ is the head, and we are His body, automatically what happens to Him will also get to us His followers.


Here are some highlights among many of what happened to Jesus, and what is still happening to us, His followers to date.


1. If Mary the mother of Jesus could undergo pains and sorrows for being the mother of Jesus, then all good mothers who are Christians should not be surprised to undergo the same for the sake of their children who are followers of Christ; most especially mothers of Priests and Religious.


2. If Joseph the foster father of Jesus could sacrifice for Jesus' care and safety, then good Christian fathers should know that their sufferings over their children are not in vain; especially the Father of Priests and Religious.


3. If Jesus at a tender age could teach in the temple and people marvel at His divine wisdom, then know that no one who is a good Christian today that God cannot bestow His wisdom to speak wonderfully well.


4. If Jesus though innocent, was falsely accused, then any good Christian who is a faithful follower should expect the same kind of ill-treatment if not even more excruciating than Jesus'.  


5. If Jesus was brought before the high chiefs and elders to be persecuted and sentenced to death, then as a good faithful follower of Christ, one should not be surprised if the same scenario happens to any of us.


6. If Jesus was crucified, died, and was buried for the sake of humanity, then as good Christians, we should be ready to die as a sacrifice for others.


7. If Jesus resurrected after He was buried, then a good Christian who died for the faith would also rise with Christ on the last day.


The fact is that the day one decides to follow Christ, that is the day one's persecution begins, just as one would feel more extreme hunger the day one decides to fast.


Therefore, our consolation is embedded in today's Gospel when Jesus said: “They will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name’s sake. This will be a time for you to bear testimony. Settle it therefore in your minds, not to meditate beforehand how to answer; for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict. You will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and kinsmen and friends, and some of you they will put to death; you will be hated by all for my namesake. But not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance, you will gain your lives.”


Please, it is good to know that there is no faithful Christian who can avoid suffering, anyone who says Suffering in Christ Jesus is not his or her portion is indirectly denying being a follower of Christ. 


 *Note:* 

If anyone avoids suffering, such is also avoiding salvation.

Where there is no cross, there would be no crown, and where there is no Christ, there will exist crisis.


Let us try to read the Gospel again, and see if those who claim to be a Christian, but do not want to suffer for the sake of Christ do fit in the picture of the Gospel and His promises to those who persevere.


 *Peace ✌️ be with you.* 


 *Rev. Fr. Segun Oladeji, CRS.* 



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