Isaiah 6: 1-8,
Psalm 93:1AB, 1CD-2, 5
Proclaiming the Gospel in face of Hostility
Today we come to the final section of the Mission Discourse which counters the fear of persecution with confidence in divine protection in the face of hostility and persecution. As we have seen, the whole chapter 10 of Matthew's gospel is a mission discourse and brings together and sums up what Jesus has to say to his apostles about declaring his teaching in the face of hostility and persecution. Jesus himself was fearless in proclaiming his message. He ‘taught with authority’, as the gospel constantly tells us. His disciples are sent out to do the same and to fear nothing but only God who is the overall. Today also Jesus invites that: "Don't be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul, fear him rather who can destroy both body and soul in hell." This is an invitation for us to be bold and face all the challenges including those who threaten to kill us because of spreading the word of God.
Oftentimes we also experience fear, discouragement and disapproval from people we are proclaiming, from difficult situations and ups and downs of life. However, Jesus today tells us that there is no need to give in to that fear, and any other difficulties because we are being watched and cared for by our Heavenly Father. There is nothing that happens to us that goes unnoticed by Him, even the hairs on our heads are counted. Therefore everything about us is taken seriously by God.
Brethren, when we are in God, we can be assured that He will provide for us. If He can care for a single sparrow, what about us who are worth more than hundreds of sparrows? Jesus made us his ambassadors to proclaim the Gospel to all the world, what we have heard in darkness to proclaim it in light and what we heard in whispering to proclaim it on the housetops. An ambassador can not be ashamed of his country and it should be the same to us. We should not be ashamed of proclaiming Christ in any circumstances.
Brethren, if we become ashamed of Christ or by any reason deny in front of people in this world, He will also deny us in front of God and that means we are going to hell. That's why He tells us not to fear anything apart from that who kills both the body and soul and puts us to hell. Therefore, inspite of the insults, intimidation, discouragements and threats, let us continue to witness Christ, not only in the way we live but also through our words and actions, with trust that the Lord is at our side as Jeremiah in the first reading.
Though all his friends and all who listened to him turned against him, Jeremiah didn't give up his mission for he was seduced by the Lord into it. He put all his cause into the Lord and the Lord delivered him. Let us follow his example and fear nothing but God alone knowing that we are just passing in this world and preparing for eternal life. Let us strive for that eternal life by remaining in God and proclaiming His word.
We are to proclaim Christ and do the same works he did, proclaiming in light whatever we have heard and learnt from Him and Him who came to take away sin which entered the world through Adam. He came so that whoever believes in Him will have eternal life (John 3:16) and he made us His ambassadors to proclaim this eternal life. His coming showed how precious we are in the eyes of God and how He loves us. No need therefore to be afraid, for our God will take care.
Reflect today on how bold and courageous you are as a Christian to proclaim the Good news in all situations. In which ways is Jesus inviting you to witness Him? Do you understand how worthy you are in the eyes of God? Don't take yourself for granted, you have a mission and an invitation today is that you fulfill it without Andy reservations.
Let us pray
Lord God, may your grace help me daily to know that I am worthy before you and that I should carry out the mission of proclaiming the Gospel without fear or reservation. Amen
Be blessed.
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