Homily for Wednesday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time

Jesus teaches us that through our perseverance, we can save our lives. His message about perseverance reflects the harsh realities faced by the Church, particularly in the first century. Being a witness to Jesus and His values under the oppressive rule of imperial Rome often meant risking imprisonment or even death. A believer's faith could be betrayed by a family member or a friend. Being openly recognized as a Christian could cost someone their life. While it was possible to keep one's faith secret and lead a quiet life, the danger of persecution was always present. The risks associated with following Jesus were genuine, especially during the early days of Christianity.

 

Our relationship with Jesus today should not be hidden; it is not meant to be a private matter without concern for others. If our friendship with Jesus is the most essential relationship in our lives, it will influence our other relationships and guide our words and actions. We should not keep our faith to ourselves but strive to live it out visibly. In today's culture, that can be a challenging endeavor. However, we can trust that God provides us with the resources to live as Jesus' disciples and witnesses to our faith. His enduring presence inspires us to genuinely live as His followers.