By Amala William csc –
Readings: Gen 49:29-33, 50:15-26a; Mt 10:24-33
In the first reading, Jacob commanded his sons to do his last rite in a particular way. But his sons, out of their fear for Joseph, conveyed to him to forgive what they had done to him. Joseph pardoned them and praised God saying, ‘you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good.’
In the gospel reading, we see the nuances of persecution that the disciples would be going through on account of Jesus. He strengthens them by saying ‘Do not fear.’ This repetition is to emphasize the tough times that is ahead of them and, at the same time, to be rooted in the Lord. God has lavished his love on us, and we are called to give that love in the name of the Triune God. Jesus invites us to take daring steps and asks us not to worry as even the hairs on our heads are numbered. Jesus asks me a personal question ‘Are you ready to die for me?’
Choosing to live a Christian life in itself begins with the martyrdom of Christ. We are baptized in the death and the resurrection of Christ. We have died in Christ; and are born spiritually as a new person. Each one of us is called to witness by living the life and teachings of Christ, for which we should not be worried. Jesus has gone before us to heaven.
Our life on earth is to be his true disciple in our proclamation and lived lives. We should long not only to be martyred by blood but also by letting go of our ego and promoting justice in our daily life. By being messengers of good news through different modern media, we can be disciples of Christ.