RBWords

     Jesus' "missionary discourse" is aimed at training disciples in the work of preaching the Kingdom of God.  Today his words concern what disciples can expect by way of possible negative reactions.  It is not a pretty picture!  When the gospel was put into writing, the church had experienced persecution and would experience more in the future. Jesus had warned them to expect it.   So, this discourse is intended by the evangelist as a kind of "textbook" for present and future disciples.

     Religious faith can ignite strong passions!  Conflict is, unfortunately, all too common in religious matters.  The list in today's gospel includes persecution by government authorities as well as by one's own family!  We know from the gospels that Jesus' own family was less than enthusiastic about his ministry!  Christians would find themselves in conflict with Roman "civil religion."  They would be considered enemies of the state and society.  The history of the Catholic Church in the U.S.A. is full of accusations that Catholics owe their civil loyalty to the ruler of a foreign land!  Some folks believe that Catholic opposition to the government mandate about providing health care services that are contrary to Catholic moral teaching means that the church is against the constitutional civil rights of women and the poor!

     Jesus offers encouragement to the disciples in the form of the "Spirit of your Father speaking in you."  I count on that Spirit in my preaching, especially when I know I must address a subject that is sensitive: health care, immigration, war and peace, divorce and family life.  Inevitably there is an accusation that I'm preaching "politics, etc."  That promise of the Spirit extends to all the baptized.  I hope we can all take advantage of it!  AMEN