By Amalraj A csc –
Readings: Hos 14: 2-10; Mt 10: 16-23
The prophecy of Jesus comes true for all his disciples, once Jesus leaves his disciples and goes to the Father. His words came true in his own life. As we see his own friend betrayed him for the sake of 30 silver coins. Beginning from the first century up until today, all Christians have gone through challenges in the name of being Christian.
The challenges, pain, and betrayal that they went through did not go in vain but has made our Church grow well far and wide. There is a lot for me to learn from this gospel passage to live in this present. I came across many people visiting holy places of other religions and participating in rituals and worships. I was always happy to see such people who give importance to humanity.
On the other hand, some people bring divisions among the innocent in the name of religion, caste, region, race, and so on. To be more precise, those Christians who stand up for gospel values in societies are often imprisoned, tortured, and killed.
When seeing all these challenges borne by our brothers and sisters; we remain silent, maybe we too become part of these arrogant people. Of course, Jesus asks us to turn the other cheek to the one who slaps us. But he also taught as to ask questions when they slap us without any valid reason. Let us try all possible ways to spread humanity in the heart of everyone irrespective of who they are. And let us continue to raise our voice against the oppressors.