GOSPEL POWER | JULY 9, 2021 | FRIDAY

GOSPEL POWER | JULY 9, 2021 FRIDAY | Saint Augustine Zhao Rong, Priest and Companions, Martyrs | Week in Ordinary Time Gospel: Mt 10: 16 - 23 Jesus said to the Twelve, “See, I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Beware of them, for they will hand you over to councils and flog you in their synagogues; and you will be dragged before governors and kings because of me, as a testimony to them and the Gentiles. When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you at that time; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death; and you will be hated by all because of my name. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next; for truly I tell you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.” Reflection “Endurance to the end” does not only mean being able to bear and survive the hardships of persecution. Rather, it means keeping the faith no matter what… even if it costs one’s life. The greatest example of this kind of endurance was shown by Jesus himself, who remained on the cross even when he was being taunted to demonstrate his power by coming down. Until his last breath, Jesus remained loyal to his Father and committed to his mission. This is also the kind of endurance that has brought forth throughout the ages and continues to bring forth today martyrs for the Church. The reference to the coming of the “Son of Man” may be understood as the manifestation of the “new humanity” precisely in those faithful believers who endure to the end, following the pattern of life and destiny of their Lord, the Christ. Prayer Lord Jesus, we rely in your promise of the Holy Spirit to stand by us in times of persecution and to help us endure to the end. Amen