By William Selvaraj, CSC –
Readings: Dan 5:1-6, 13-14, 16-17, 23-28; Lk 21: 12-19
In the first reading we meet Daniel who was a God-fearing young man in exile under the king Belshazzar and was very courageous and confident in predicting the destruction of the kingdom. Though he was offered costliest gifts, he detached himself from worldly temptation of honour and wanted to make known the living God.
The gospel of the day is frightening. It tells about the severe suffering and persecution which will happen to me and all the followers of Jesus in the future. When I personally follow Jesus, it means it is confirmed that I am going to suffer like him. To fight against this persecution and sufferings, Jesus does not ask me to hold a sword or shield, or knife, but rather asks me to place complete and total trust in him.
The more a person suffers in his life, greater is the victory at the end. I need not prepare an advance defense, because Jesus whom I trust will fill me with the full confidence, courage and wisdom as he had given to Daniel to speak rightly at the correct time against the opponents. I should make use of this opportunity of persecution and suffering to bear witness to his name who strengthens me always. So, the question for us is, “Are you ready to suffer for bearing the name of Jesus in your life?” Therefore, let us all pray that we may be strengthened like the people who bore the name of Jesus before us.
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