A Jesuit Catholic University
in Omaha, Nebraska, since 1878

[505] Rev 15:1-4 Ps 98:1, 2-3ab, 7-8, 9 Luke 21:12-19

Weekly Guide for Daily Prayer The Daily Reflections

“You will be hated by all because of my name,
but not a hair on your head will be destroyed.
By your perseverance you will secure your lives.” Luke 21: 17-19

How prevalent is this quote in all of our lives today! It definitely does not sound very welcoming or pleasant, but Jesus says this to his apostles following a rousing call to action. He asks them to evangelize, and spread his message throughout the world. However, before they go, he wants to prepare them for what might happen. Instead of promising them an easy road, Jesus straight up tells his apostles that they will be hated. Hated. How likely would we be to simply give up, turn around, and go home? It is much easier to leave a difficult task behind than to forge ahead into a certain fate of being “hated by all.” It is also interesting to note that Jesus speaks about this just before he is arrested and crucified. He wants to make sure that this message is heard and understood well before he leaves his people on earth.

Just last evening at a Bible study, we were discussing the concept of evangelization and how difficult it can be, especially on a college campus. It is very tough to step out of your comfort zone and try to talk to a stranger about Christ. However, it is important to remember that evangelization can come in the form of words or actions. Evangelization is possible simply by being kind to a neighbor or listening to someone who needs to be listened to. Evangelization is showing Christ’s love to other people, and he wants us to do so in whatever way is most effective for us.

As a closing thought, this quote from Pope Benedict XVI is something that I have been contemplating a lot lately. I think it is a good reflection of the current state of our society, as people are constantly seeking comfort, unwilling to be uncomfortable, regardless of what might come from the situation. I urge you to think about this quote throughout the day, and try to see how it plays out in your life: “The world promises you comfort, but you were not made for comfort, you were made for greatness.” Pope Benedict XVI