Today’s gospel is such an uncomfortable read that my heart sank a little when I first picked it up. Jesus warns his disciples to expect persecution, imprisonment and betrayal because they have chosen to follow him. While we all know this is part of the cost discipleship we are all too willing to push it to the back of our minds. This is something none of us want to experience, and we prefer to concentrate on the positive, focusing our attention on God’s love, and on the promise of new life.
At first glance it could seem like today’s gospel negates that promise, but that is not what Jesus is saying. He is taking a very realistic and direct view of life, which we all know involves suffering, pain, betrayal and persecution. He tells us that suffering can’t be avoided or run from:
“You will be hated by all people on account of my name, but not a hair of your head will be lost. Your endurance will win you your lives.”
In hard, challenging times we need the realistic hope he offers more than ever. Not the false hope that we can avoid suffering by choosing to follow him, but the real promise that whatever we suffer he will be there with us, supporting us, giving us the courage to endure and the the wisdom and strength we need to live in difficult times.
What hope is Christ offering you in the difficulties you face today?