Endurance of faith in Jesus Christ

The end of the Liturgical Year draws near with three weeks remaining in Cycle C. The message of perseverance, endurance and hope is clear during the 32nd and 33rd Sunday Mass readings which focus on persecution as a reality for those who choose to follow God. Yet, as God loves, so also do those, persecuted for their beliefs, love and glorify God through suffering and by faith in Christ Jesus.

Challenged (2 Mc 7:1-2. 9-14)

The Second Book of Maccabees in the Old Testament describes the extreme persecutions of Jewish people at the hands of corrupt leaders. Many fled from the heinous torture inflicted on believers who were being asked to give up their faith and turn to pagan worship or face death. One of the seven sons in this passage, as he was facing torment and near death, said, “It is my choice to die at the hands of mortals with the hope that God will restore me to life; but for you, there will be no resurrection to life” (2 MC 7:14). This man, by the power of the Spirit of God, persevered the torture, endured the suffering and witnessed his hope in God and his promise of new life after death. 

The month of November is dedicated to those who have gone before us in faith, as we celebrate All Saints Day and All Souls Day. Many of the canonized saints experienced martyrdom and persevered in the faith despite terrible persecution. Among these are St. Maximilian Kolbe, St. Theresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein), St. Charles Lwanga, Blessed Miguel Agustin Pro, Ven. Francis-Xavier Nguyen Van Thuan, to name a few. Their choice to love God and neighbor, and the ability to endure the suffering inflicted upon them because of their faith was made possible by grace. The Holy Spirit strengthened their firm, fearless commitment to witness the faith despite the danger and risk. They were deeply rooted in trust and hope in the Lord that, as St. Paul writes, “anguish, distress, persecution or the sword will not separate us from the love of God” (Rom 8:31-39). 

It is difficult for one to grasp the realities of religious persecution. But these continue to occur globally. For example, armed kidnappers in the north-central and northwestern areas of Nigeria have kidnapped Christians multiple times during the past six months, including priests and religious sisters, holding them for ransom to fund their militant agendas.

There are also non-violent challenges to our faith, actions that cause us to hold back on proclaiming the message of Christianity.  What are the subliminal or obvious actions challenging faith in God? Can one display a religious article in one’s workspace or is this against “company policy?” Can one publicly pray without repercussion? Can one display Christmas decorations, or statues of saints without possible destruction to those symbols? How far will I go to witness hope and faith in God by charity and humility? Is my faith in God veiled out of fear of ridicule, mockery or rejection, or am I proclaiming God’s message by word and deed in the face of such challenges and for the glory of God?

Fear not

St. John Paul II’s lasting words from his inaugural address on Sunday, Oct. 22, 1978, hold true today. He said, “Brothers and sisters, do not be afraid to welcome Christ and accept his power. Help the pope and all those who wish to serve Christ and with Christ’s power to serve the human person and the whole of mankind. Be not afraid. Open wide the doors for Christ.”

Jesus Christ intervenes on our behalf, even in times of crisis. He instructs the faithful to be in a state of preparedness rather than fear, warning of false prophets, rising nations (Lk 21:5-19). Our Lord is the ultimate example of accepting persecution without fear and for the glory of God and the salvation of all. He also strengthens those who model enduring faith in each generation for us to learn from and imitate. Who are the models of faith and perseverance in my life?

I am with you always

Jesus promised he will be with us “always, to the close of the age” (Mt 28: 20). The 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time points to the end of the age, when Jesus discusses the “eschaton,” also referred to as the “Parousia,” meaning presence or arrival. The Gospel of St. Luke, Chapter 21, retells Jesus’ guidance on preparing for the end of the age. First noted is the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem, which occurs some 40 years after Jesus’ death. Then there is to be a long gap until the end of the world.  Jesus cautions the faithful to stay away from the deceit of false prophets, be not afraid and be prepared to face adversity. When in the hands of such persecution, Jesus will “give you a wisdom in speaking that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute but not a hair on your head will be destroyed. Perseverance will secure your lives” (Lk 21:15-19).

The end of the age is a gradual reality. As missionary disciples of Jesus, we are commissioned to evangelize, to bear witness of the truth of hope in salvation and eternal life through Jesus Christ. 

Our personal missions vary yet intersect in the communion of saints and the community of believers, where the oneness of the church (people of God) walk together, united in the mystical body of Christ. We live, pray, worship, learn, teach, serve and live as one faith, one hope, in Jesus Christ. We also experience universally as one the body of Jesus Christ. As one is persecuted, all are persecuted. As one rejoices, all rejoice. Now more than ever we call upon the Holy Spirit for strength to persevere as confident, joyful witnesses of faith in God. We endure because we believe in Christ Jesus. We believe and thus we endure in Christ Jesus.

St. John Paul II reiterated in his address at St. Peter’s Square, “So often today man does not know what is within him, in the depths of his mind and heart. So often, he is uncertain about the meaning of his life on this earth. He is assailed by doubt, a doubt that turns into despair. We ask you therefore, we beg you with humility and trust, let Christ speak to man. He alone has words of life, yes, of eternal life. Precisely today, the whole church … is praying, meditating and acting in order that Christ’s words of life may reach all people and be received by them as a message of hope, salvation and total liberation. “

Dow is the director of the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis for the Diocese of Baton Rouge.