RBWords

     Part of being a disciple is to courageously face the reaction that such a commitment causes in non-believers.  Some will be attracted to you, some will be indifferent and some will be hostile or violent.  Today's gospel scripture warns about the hostile/violent element.  In Jewish communities, some of what Christians would preach would be considered blasphemy.  No carpenter from Nazareth could be the Messiah!  To the Romans, there could be no other kingdom than the kingdom of Caesar.  So, in the community that gave rise to the gospel of Matthew, there was the experience of punishment from both synagogue and governors!

     When I was a school boy the sufferings of Catholics behind the Iron Curtain were held up to us as examples of what we might have to endure if the Communists managed to take over the world!  Cardinal Menzinty in Hungary was a leading example!  We were also treated to the story of St. Isaac Jogues SJ and other North American martyrs.  In our own time, the Jesuits and Maryvknoll sisters in El Salvador, and Archbishop Romero have provided examples!   

     The kind of courage exemplified by such heroes may not be required of us, but it does take courage to be public about one's religious commitment in this day and age.  The media and many other influential social forces do not care for those who oppose public policies that do not respect life from womb to tomb.  Those who stand up for the true and sacramental meaning of marriage are being accused of discrimination against gay people!  Whatever opposition and abuse a faithful Christian may face, we cannot say we weren't warned from the very beginning.  We are also assured that the Lord will give us what we need to say or do when the time comes.   AMEN