Matthew 10: 16-23
Jesus said to his Apostles:
“See, I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. 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. When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next; for truly I tell you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.”
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.
God's Voice
Today’s Gospel certainly isn’t filled with rainbows and butterflies. Jesus’ words to the Apostles, and to each of us, are a stark reminder that we have no guarantee that discipleship, or life in general, will be easy. We hear about division within families, or about being hated and persecuted for one’s beliefs. We certainly see plenty of hatred and division in our society or in our Church today. It can be easy to get discouraged or feel hopeless. But Jesus’ message is part of a larger discourse that is sending disciples—both those of his time and those to follow—out on a mission into the world. In doing so, he offers us words of encouragement. In the face of persecution, we don’t need to worry about having the exact right words. Rather, if we allow ourselves to be instruments of God, we allow the “Spirit of the Father” to speak through us. Now, in most cases I don’t think this manifests as a divine voice coming out of our mouths as if we were ventriloquist dummies. Rather, through prayer and discernment, we can come to a greater understanding of God’s movement in our lives, and a clarity of purpose that roots our words and action in the Spirit.
Despite the challenges in our world today, how can you allow God to speak through you to those you encounter?
—Lauren Gaffey works in communications for both the Midwest Jesuits and the Office of Ignatian Spirituality.
Prayer
Lord, send your Spirit into my life to guide my words and actions so that I may show your love to those around me. Amen.
—Jesuit Prayer team
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