Nov 27 2024

First reading Apocalypse 15:1-4

The victors sang the hymn of Moses and of the Lamb

What I, John, saw in heaven was a great and wonderful sign: seven angels were bringing the seven plagues that are the last of all, because they exhaust the anger of God. I seemed to see a glass lake suffused with fire, and standing by the lake of glass, those who had fought against the beast and won, and against his statue and the number which is his name. They all had harps from God, and they were singing the hymn of Moses, the servant of God, and of the Lamb:

‘How great and wonderful are all your works,

Lord God Almighty;

just and true are all your ways,

King of nations.

Who would not revere and praise your name, O Lord?

You alone are holy,

and all the pagans will come and adore you

for the many acts of justice you have shown.’

Responsorial Psalm 97(98):1-3,7-9

Great and wonderful are all your works, Lord, mighty God!
Sing to the Lord a new song,
for he has done wondrous deeds;
His right hand has won victory for him,
his holy arm.
Great and wonderful are all your works, Lord, mighty God!
The Lord has made his salvation known:
in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice.
He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness
toward the house of Israel.
Great and wonderful are all your works, Lord, mighty God!
Let the sea and what fills it resound,
the world and those who dwell in it;
Let the rivers clap their hands,
the mountains shout with them for joy.
Great and wonderful are all your works, Lord, mighty God!
Before the Lord, for he comes,
for he comes to rule the earth;
He will rule the world with justice
and the peoples with equity.
Great and wonderful are all your works, Lord, mighty God!

Gospel Luke 21:12-19

Your endurance will win you your lives

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Men will seize you and persecute you; they will hand you over to the synagogues and to imprisonment, and bring you before kings and governors because of my name – and that will be your opportunity to bear witness. Keep this carefully in mind: you are not to prepare your defence, because I myself shall give you an eloquence and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to resist or contradict. You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relations and friends; and some of you will be put to death. You will be hated by all men on account of my name, but not a hair of your head will be lost. Your endurance will win you your lives.’

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“Opportunity to bear witness”

“Men will seize you and persecute you…” When we truly live out the gospel values, persecution becomes inevitable. This can manifest in various ways, whether through conflicts with opposing worldly values or from others or within ourselves. For instance, by being honest and kind at work, we might find that our careers do not progress as quickly; others may dismiss our efforts when we stand up for someone in need; or our tendency to be judgmental can hinder us from seeing others with love, etc. These moments of persecution may lead us to feel discouraged or withdraw in fear.

In the gospel, Jesus teaches us to change our perspective and see these challenging moments as our opportunities to bear witness. We become true Christian witnesses when we continue practising our faith, even in the face of unpleasant consequences. We do so by being steadfast in our commitment to be humble, truthful, simple in our lifestyle and compassionate toward others. Today, let us ask for endurance in following Jesus. May our words and deeds give joyful witness to Jesus’ presence and love for all.

Reflective question:
How can I turn moments of persecution into opportunities to bear witness?

Acknowledgment: Reflections are based on “Prayer for Living: The Word of God for Daily Prayer Year B” by Sr Maria Jose FMVD.