Matthew 10
What Jesus told his disciples in today’s gospel is still valid in our times. Jesus says, “If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household!” More than ever, we witness to this prophecy of Jesus in Western societies. Much of the Judeo-Christian tradition is considered oppressive and authoritarian evil. Not only religious traditions but also the cultural heritage of the West are under attack. Of course, at the heart of all these assaults lies the hatred of Christ Jesus and God the Father. Many intellectuals in the West have campaigned against the Church, and the animosity towards Christianity is easily felt in academic institutions and journalistic organizations. This is what exactly Jesus tells us in the gospel. Many Christians would feel distressed by the current anti-Christian atmosphere, but there is nothing to be surprised since all have been foretold.
We indeed feel threatened. It is not just a feeling. The threat is real. Then, what do we do? Jesus also gives directions: “What I say to you in the dark, tell in the light; and what you hear whispered, proclaim from the housetops.” There are too many silent Christians. Are you afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul? Shouldn’t we be afraid more of the one who can destroy both body and soul in hell? But God loves us first and gives his only Son to us to lead us to his kingdom.
It is always challenging to be faithful to Christ. Our times are not an exception.
