By your perseverance, you will be saved.
"Jesus said to the crowd:
“They will seize and persecute you, they will hand you over to the synagogues and to prisons, and they will have you led before kings and governors because of my name.
"It will lead to your giving testimony.
"Remember, you are not to prepare your defense beforehand, for I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute.
"You will even be handed over by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends, and they will put some of you to death.
"You will be hated by all because of my name, but not a hair on your head will be destroyed.
"By your perseverance you will secure your lives.” (Luke 21: 12 - 19).
Wednesday 29th November of the 34th Week of Ordinary Time.
Our key Scripture is from Luke 21: 12 - 19. This is one of the most powerful and comforting promises Jesus made to His followers.
Soon after the experience of Pentecost, Peter and John confirmed the truth in their encounter with the Sanhedrin (the Supreme Court of Israel). Other Apostles including Stephen and Paul confirmed the reliability of this promise of Jesus in their ministry. St Catherine of Alexandria during her trial before Emperor Maxentius was aided by this promise. Her brilliant defense of the Faith threw the Emperor into a murderous rage and he condemned Catherine to death.
This promise has blessed me on a number of occasions. Hence I call the Holy Spirit the Voice that speaks in Court.
Martyrdom is the badge of honor for Christians. Tertulian, the 2nd century African theologian stated that "The blood of martyrs is the seed of Christianity."
Blessed are you if you persevere under persecution, your salvation is secured. (Cf Luke 21: 19).
The month of November is traditionally dedicated in the Catholic Church to honoring the dead and relieving the sufferings of the souls in purgatory. Do not neglect your loved ones.
For Catholic Church teaching on the Souls in PURGATORY and how to help them, click the link below:
http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/10/10-ways-to-assist-poor-souls-in.html
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