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“To suffer and to be despised — what bitterness, but what glory!”
-St. Therese of Lisieux

Being Catholic is not easy; following the way of Christ is not easy. But if we think about it, Jesus never said it would be, He only said that the reward would be great.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus warns about the end of time and the trials and persecutions that will come with it. He says, “You will even be handed over by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends, and they will put some of you to death” (21:7) but we are not to lose hope because the wisdom of God will guide us. It is easy to despair and become discouraged when hearing this Gospel. After all, it does foretell a grim future. But the hope that comes with Christ’s promise is far greater and far stronger than any opposition we will face. He knows what that persecution will be like because He lived it in His Passion. But Christ also knows that by uniting our suffering to His will only bring us closer to His Eternal Kingdom. For that reason, He promises to give us “wisdom in speaking” (21:15) and that “by your perseverance, you will secure your lives” (21:19).

This Gospel is about the end times but can also be thought of in our own day and age. I often find myself at a loss for words and explanations when conversing with someone who opposes (whether it is vehement opposition or not) the Catholic Church and her teachings. When I reflect on those encounters I realize that often times I did not ask Christ for His guidance in the conversation. Rather, I was guided by my own emotions and, in the end, was unable to properly defend the faith. Today’s Gospel reminds us to put our entire being—thoughts, actions, emotions—into the hands of Christ in order to be guided by His infinite wisdom. When we do so, now and at the end of time, we have nothing to fear.

The Gospel acclamation sums up the Christian life: “Remain faithful until death and I will give you the crown of life”. We have nothing to lose by following Christ; we have everything to gain.

Dakota currently lives in Denver, CO, is studying for her Master’s in Spanish, and loves her job as an elementary school librarian. She is engaged to the love of her life, Ralph. In her spare time she reads, goes to breweries, and watches baseball. Dakota’s favorite saints are St. John Paul II (how could it not be?) and St. José Luis Sánchez del Río. She is passionate about her faith and considers herself blessed at any opportunity to share that faith with others.