Liturgical Colour : White
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, today we heard the Lord reminding His disciples that if they were to follow Him and continue to walk in His path, then it will not be easy for them. There will be difficult times and challenges for them, as the way of this world is not the same as the way of the Lord, and indeed, it is diametrically opposite to it.
That is why, while we champion the sanctity of life, and how every single life is important and necessary, the world championed the culture of death, that is the destruction of the meaning and holiness of all life, and also the disregard for people’s livelihood, in an environment that is often based on the survival of the fittest and the suffering of everyone else.
Meanwhile, we believe in the values of Christian charity and love, that we should show love to all of our brethren without exception, even to our enemies and to all those who hated us. This is the wonders of our Christian faith, and which the Apostles stood up proudly for, defending that faith against the wickedness of this world. And the world that despised Christ will also despise us too.
The Apostles encountered difficulties, challenges, rejection and other troubles throughout their ministry and work, but they rejoiced at the thought of being persecuted for the sake of defending their faith to God, and thus being persecuted for the sake of Christ Himself. Remember that Jesus Himself said, that all those who are persecuted because they believe in Him will receive great rewards? This is exactly what He means.
We do not have to be hostile to the world, or to withdraw ourselves completely to the world, as these attitudes would instead backfire on us. This is because doing such things means that we isolate ourselves from the world, and ultimately from the many souls and peoples whom we are able to rescue and save from the darkness by our actions, our words and our deeds.
Yes, all of us baptised into the Church of God have received the same Spirit, the Holy Spirit which the Apostles had received from the Lord. And with this Spirit we ought to be courageous and reach out to all those who have yet to hear the Word of God, so that they too may be saved, by turning their backs against the sinfulness and wickedness which they have committed previously.
Therefore, brothers and sisters in Christ, let us all persevere and resist the challenges and difficulties of this world, with which Satan always tries to lure and trap those who lack vigilance and awareness, with temptations and persuasions, so that we may be praised and accepted by the world. Remember, brethren, that we should not seek what is temporary and illusory. The wealth, possessions, goodness, fame and all the praise of this world count for nothing, if we do not build for ourselves a rich heavenly inheritance.
Therefore, let us all from now, start building up our treasure in heaven, by following the Lord closely and faithfully in all His ways, that beginning from ourselves, we may inspire many others to also follow the Lord and walk in His ways, and thus be saved. This is what we ought to do, brothers and sisters. Let us not wait until it is too late for us. May God guide us in this path and keep us straight in that path, so that we will remain always faithful to Him, and therefore receive our just rewards of everlasting life. Amen.