Gospel: Matthew 10:16-23
Look, I send you out like sheep among wolves. You must be as clever as snakes and as innocent as doves. Be on your guard with people, for they will hand you over to their courts, and they will flog you in their synagogues. You will be brought to trial before rulers and kings because of me, so that you may witness to them and the pagans.But when you are arrested, do not worry about what you are to say, or how you are to say it; when the hour comes, you will be given what you are to say. For it will not be you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father, speaking through you.
Brother will hand over his brother to death, and a father his child; children will turn against their parents and have them put to death. Everyone will hate you because of me, but whoever stands firm to the end will be saved.
When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next. I tell you the truth, you will not have passed through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.
Reflection
The Holy Spirit will be our advocate.
It is often said that Christianity is a religion of peace, a theme frequently highlighted by Jesus in the Gospel with expressions such as "Peace be with you" and "Peace be upon you." Each of us has our own interpretation of what Christian peace entails. However, today's Gospel presents a different dimension of Christianity and what it means to be a disciple.
Courage stands in opposition to fear. While fear is a natural human reaction to doubt and uncertainty, we navigate our faith journey where Christian values often clash with the world’s values. This is where courage becomes essential. As Christians, we are called to respond to worldly values with the principles of the Gospel.
Jesus reassures us that the Holy Spirit will be our advocate in times of questioning. The important question we must ask ourselves is: How willing are we to cooperate with the Holy Spirit when our Christian values are challenged? How courageous are we in standing up for the truth of the Gospel in today’s world?
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