Readings:
I - Gen. 46: 1-7, 28-30
II - Mt.10: 16-23
COMPROMISE NOT BUT CONQUER THE WORLD
In the Gospel passage today Jesus speaks about the suffering that his followers have to encounter and endure in the pursuit of living his command. Jesus uses a metaphor to describe the same, “I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves”, a dangerous pursuit indeed. He instructs his followers prescribing a guideline, to be wise as serpents and innocent as doves and assures them of his presence in their suffering on his accord.
The exhortations of Jesus is subservient to the existing world order. The Gospel values of love, peace, joy, happiness, gentleness, meekness, compassion, kindness, generosity, selflessness and self-giving contradicts and conflicts the values proposed by the world viz. hatred, revenge, anger, pride, pleasure, jealousy, selfishness, violence, avarice and arrogance. The values of the world may seem to overpower the values of the Gospel, but can never prevail. There are only two options, either to compromise with the world order or to contradict and conquer the same. We are chosen to topple the world order that “prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour” (Pt. 5:8). It is challenging, dangerous and daring. To tread in the path of our Master and Lord Jesus Christ is not impossible but possible, it is demanding but worthwhile, we may be battered but never defeated. It is road less travelled, reserved for the followers of Jesus who dare insults, persecution, suffering and death. Let us fight the battle with prudence and innocence standing on the powerful presence and assuring promises of Jesus, for he says, “Take courage; I have conquered the world” (Jn. 16:33).
In the silence of our hearts let us keep repeating: “Lord Jesus, give me the courage to conquer the world”
