Matthew 10: 17-22
Beware of them, for they will hand you over to councils and flog you in their synagogues; and you will be dragged before governors and kings because of me, as a testimony to them and the Gentiles. When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you at that time; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death; and you will be hated by all because of my name. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.
New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.
Cultivating Endurance
We, who are travelers on the way, followers of Jesus Christ, face hard times just like those who do not follow Christ. This difference is that we know we win in the end. We know that Jesus is present to us every moment of the day and waiting for us to turn to him. This being true, we can take the instructions that Jesus gave the twelve as he sent them out into a cold world to heart.
In times of distress, when we feel obliged to defend ourselves, we can take heart with the assurance that the Holy Spirit of God will give us the words. Jesus tells us, as he tells the disciples, not to worry. He warns us that we will be mistreated and betrayed by those we love, but that if we endure we will be saved. If we endure we will spend an eternity with the beloved, with Jesus.
St. Ignatius recognized that endurance was necessary to live a life of virtue, to follow Christ. He knew this and was convinced that the Spiritual Exercises would cultivate endurance. If you have not already prayed the Exercises, it's worth consideration. Jesus says in Matthew, that we will face adversity because “no student is greater than his teacher, nor a servant greater than his master.” Let us use all the tools we have been given to cultivate endurance and live a life worthy of an eternity with Jesus.
—Terresa M. Ford, M.Div., MFA is a hospice chaplain and an Ignatian spiritual director who provides pastoral care both in person and virtually. Terresa has written for the Black Catholic Messenger, preached for Catholic Women Preach and offered Contemplatios for Ignatius House Jesuit Retreat Center in Sandy Springs, Georgia. Terresa is a member of Assisi Community, a Catholic community dedicated to the works of non-violence and social justice, based in Washington, D.C.
Prayer
Merciful God, you have given us everything we need to live lives of virtue and integrity. We know that you are with us through all adversity. We thank you for leading us and guiding us back home to you, to an eternity of your loving presence. We ask that you remind us daily of all the ways you are loving into wholeness. We ask all this in your sacred and holy name. Amen.
—Terresa M. Ford
Pray with the Pope
The Holy Father’s Monthly Prayer Intentions Brought to you by Apostleship of Prayer the first Friday of each month.