When we think of effective rousing speeches given by leaders at critical times, whether in life or arts and entertainment, I’m fairly certain that we never hear them say, “don’t worry, this is going to be a piece of cake!”
Whether in Shakespeare or even the most ridiculous action movie, we usually hear something more along the lines of what Jesus says in this somewhat terrifying passage from the Gospel of Luke in today’s reading: “This is going to be really hard. It will seem like everything is coming to an end around you. You might very well be betrayed, abandoned to torture, and even killed because of who you are, what you believe, or the way you live. But hold steady, have faith, and persevere. In the decisive moment of trial, you will know what to say and what to do. Stay focused, not distracted. Don’t be deceived by those who will lead you astray. Keep discerning my voice amidst the chaos. Even if it gets very, very scary, I will be with you to accompany and guide you. And in the end, even if death comes, we shall prevail. By holding fast to me, you will have life beyond the end.”
WOW. Scary right? He may confuse us a bit by saying that even for all that, “not a hair of your head will be destroyed,” because at that point, the last thing I might be worried about is my hair, but so the Scripture says. Isn’t it amazing that the apostles didn’t all run for the nearest exit?
What do we make of this speech? The context of the scene is the same Temple described by the Gospel of John from last Sunday’s reading, but it seems that in Luke’s Gospel, this particular experience happens earlier in Jesus’ formation of his apostles. They were amazed by the riches of the Temple and awed by the impressive construction, much as we might be when we enter a magnificent cathedral or basilica. But Jesus is very concerned that they not mistake the magnificence for the true meaning of their worship, or for God’s desire for what they value most. Jesus uses this moment to shake them up and test them, probing their level of understanding of his mission, and of the potential cost of their commitment to following him. It is a sobering moment.
What about us? Because these words that Jesus speaks to his disciples are transmitted to us across the ages for a reason. In the time of the writing of Luke’s Gospel, the early Church was suffering persecution, and these words were reflective of their current reality. People were being taken by the authorities of the times, put on trial and killed. There were revolts and insurrections that were quite frightening because of their implications for people just trying to go on about their business and carry on with their lives. And it was simply dangerous to be known publicly as a follower of Jesus’ way.
And for us, now? In our times, we might be feeling disturbed- perhaps less because of threats to our faith, though we know there are many places in the world where people are persecuted for their faith (Christian and otherwise). But it can feel scary to be public about our values, and seem precarious to stand up, not only for our beliefs, but for people who are vulnerable and in need of advocacy, safety, or other support. We might feel overwhelmed, helpless, and at a loss for how to move forward in a way that is consistent with our beliefs and commitments.
But nonetheless, Jesus’ words are true across time and the ages. In those times of the early Church, and now, his presence accompanies and inspires us to hold fast to him and to persevere in our commitment to love, of service to the vulnerable, to avoiding violence, or resorting to actions that are inconsistent with our discipleship of him. He is our Rock, our Light to guide us, our perennial exemplar, and ultimately, our Savior.
Our history as a Church is blessed with countless women and men who have had the courage and perseverance to hold steady in love, who counted the ultimate cost, paid the price, and continue to live in light of his love. Recently, I visited the Basilica of San Bartolomeo here in Rome where there is a permanent memorial to the martyrs of the 20th and early 21st century from around the world. I feel so humbled and amazed by the courage and sacrifice of people who put their lives on the line because of their love for others, as they held fast in Jesus’ way, and who at the decisive moment, trusted in the Holy Spirit to be the source of their testimony in word and deed. It is not for nothing that we continue to venerate these martyrs throughout the whole history of the Church, because they give us example and inspire our courage not to run for the nearest exit looking for a simpler, safer life…
It is one thing to read these words of Scripture in times that are easy, certain, and secure. But perhaps we hear them entirely differently when we take stock of these troubled times we’re living in, and feel their relevance, their resonance with us. How do these words stir us today? How is our perseverance in faith and in action expressed on behalf of love now?
With you on the way,
