By Naresh Namindla csc –
Readings: Rev 15: 1-4; Lk 21: 12-19
The Gospel reading of today speaks about the end of times, the persecution and hatred that will befall his disciples. Jesus tells not to worry about what to speak when persecution occurs. For he promises us to put the words in our mouth about what to speak. And he urges us to see the persecution as an opportunity to proclaim his word and to testify to his name.
It is difficult for us to face the persecution, but we will be ready to face it if we are one with Jesus in constant prayer and learn to see Jesus in everything. St. Catherine, whose feast we celebrate today is a perfect example to become an authentic disciple of Christ.
Belonging to a pagan family, St. Catherine converted to Christianity after she had a dream, in which Mother Mary appeared to her. St. Catherine tried to convince the Roman Emperor to stop persecuting Christians. But he not only persecuted the Christians but also imprisoned her and she was martyred. As Christians we are all called, through the baptism we have received, to witness to Jesus and the Gospel. The baptism enables each one of us to be part of the mission of Christ to bring forth the salvation and reign of God on this earth.
The situations like corona, lockdown, community issues, and personal difficulties make us question God and his existence. But we must see that those situations are like an opportunity for us to come closer to God rather than going away. Those are the times we need to witness to Jesus like St. Catherine. We cannot avoid more persecution by proclaiming God in persecution but can get rewarded for it like St. Catherine. We need to ask ourselves; am I ready to face persecution for the sake of the kingdom of God? Let us ask St. Catherine to intercede for all of us that we may be strengthened to face the persecutions.