Readings
I - Eph. 1: 15-23
II - Lk. 12: 8-12
St. Theresa of Jesus
In today’s Gospel passage Jesus encourages for a witnessing Christian living with the support of the Holy Spirit, the Advocate, our inspirer and defender. We ought to recognise Jesus in order to be recognised by him in the paradise. Often times Christians try to conceal their identity for the fear of losing favour, privileges, incentives and rewards and also for the fear of enduring suffering and persecutions. There is joy in suffering for Christ who came to the earth and died for us out of his unfathomable love for us. We need not fear before authorities for as our Lord has promised the Holy Spirit would give us the right word to speak, courage to endure, strength to suffer and tactfulness to tackle.
Dare to acknowledge Jesus before others, for the joy that we are about to behold on this account worth enduring the suffering, pain, false accusations and persecution. Stand up for the truth, voice for the voiceless, side with justice, support the helpless and defend the righteous. This may cost isolation, neglect, defamation, separation and suffering, but they are the proof of our love and recognition for Jesus Christ to whom we belong. Today the Church celebrates the feast of St. Theresa of Avila who says, “Let nothing disturb you, Let nothing frighten you, though all things pass, God does not change. He lacks nothing who possesses God; For God alone suffices”. Yes, let us not give up Christ in this passing world rather dare to stand up for him. May the saint of the day intercede for our witnessing Christian living as we keep praying in our hearts, “St. Theresa of Avila, Pray for us”.
RECOGNISE TO BE RECOGNISED IN THE PARADISE
