THE WORD
Rev 15,1-4 / Lk 21,12-19
Jesus said to his disciples, “Before [the end] happens, however, they will seize and persecute you, they will hand you over to the synagogues and to prisons, and they will have you led before kings and governors because of my name. It will lead to your giving testimony. Remember, you are not to prepare your defense beforehand, for I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute. You will even be handed over by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends, and they will put some of you to death. You will be hated by all because of my name, but not a hair on your head will be destroyed. By your perseverance you will secure your lives.
IN OTHER WORDS
During his life time, St. Paul thought the end of the world would soon come about. Two millennia have passed; we are still awaiting for the end of the world! So many catastrophies have come and gone. The latest in the Philippines were “Yolanda” and the 7.2 mega-earthquake. I specially had the experience of the quake in Bohol. Many Boholanos thought this was it! But, no! The Lord is not through with us yet! He was just forewarning us to be ever ready! The end will come like “a thief in the night”!
As baptized persons, we are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a people set apart. We have a
mission to fulfill, to continue the Missio Dei, the Missio Spiriti, to bring the good news to all, that all may be one! The Bishops and priests, the consecrated persons and laity, have diff erent roles to play in the work of evangelization! All of us are His missionaries, His instruments to change the face of the earth! He is counting on us! God trusts you very much, trust Him in return. Be grateful that He has chosen you and me inspite of being our sin-permeatedness! In moments of doubt of our being effective instruments, rest assured that He is the main Evangelizer, not us! The Kingdom of God will continue to grow without our knowing much the how’s and the why’s – we have just to remain faithful even if we are seemingly unsuccessful! Blessed Therese of Calcutta was right. We are called “to be faithful, not to be successful!”
And so let us not be afraid. As Pope Francis admonishes us, let us be joyful bearers of the Gospel!
- Fr. Florante Camacho, SVD | Maribojoc, Bohol
The Word in other words 2016
An annual project of Logos Publications, The WORD in Other Words Bible Diary contains daily scripture readings and reflections written by priest, brothers, and sisters of the three congregations founded by St. Arnold Janssen (the SVD, SSpS, and SSpSAP). It hopes to serve as a daily companion to readers who continually seek the correlation of the Word of God and human experience.
