Friday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time B1

Friday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time

Mt 13:54-58

My home parish in Vietnamis so blessed to have two religious convents of nuns in my parish; my mom is funny; if there is a struggle in my family, instead of asking her son, a priest, to pray, she comes to the religious sisters to ask for prayers. I asked her why she did that, and she said she loved the sisters because they looked very holy. I told her what about me? She said you are my son, and I know you. Now, I know why Jesus said, “No prophet is acceptable in his hometown.”

We are living in a world that seeks to remove God from society. We face attacks on our faith, as we might have seen in the opening ceremony of the Olympics. However, this is not a new story. Throughout the Church's history, we have faced opposition, criticism, attacks, and even persecution. OT; MANY PROPHETS, TODAY’S READING LIKE Jeremiah has done everything for the Lord and the people, but he is treated badly: “The people crying, "You must be put to death!” FROM EARLY CHURCH, APOSTLES, ST. PAUL, MARTYRS, COUNTLESS OF BELIEVERS HAVE FACED DEATH BECAUSE OF THEIR FAITH.

That is not the end; even Jesus was also rejected by his own native people, and Finally, he was put to death.

What is going on here? Why do people have to suffer or get rejected due to their faith? Why Jesus said in Matthew 10:22, "Everyone will hate you because of me.”

It is because it is part of our faith. If we think our faith is the faith without rejection, opposition, or the cross, then that is not our Christian calling. St. Paul said, “In fact, all who want to live religiously in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, but Jesus states that “but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved."

Rejection is part of being Christ’s disciple, and somehow, it makes our faith stronger. Our faith becomes weak when everything is so comfortable. And it will break down easily. However, Our Christian faith becomes stronger when facing rejection or opposition. And it will go through difficulties without breaking or falling.

THE GOOD NEWS IS THAT Amidst the trials we face, we are not alone. Jesus is always with us, ready to GIVE HIS GRACE and strength. If you are enduring difficulties due to your faith, remember Jesus's words: 'Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you [falsely] because of me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.'

May God bless us all.