Reading this gospel message, I try to imagine the reactions of the people after hearing Jesus proclaim they will seize and persecute you..because of my name.  As Jesus continues speaking about the adversity his followers might endure, his comments may have generated many different responses.  Perhaps some in the crowd declared, I will follow Him, even if I must die.  Others may have asked, Is he leaving us?  That’s what it sounds like.  As his followers, I thought we would be protected and have a chance to live peaceful lives.  Maybe we should run away.  If we go to one of the smaller villages, perhaps the authorities will not look for us.  Others may have responded, But how can we turn away from God’s message?  I do not want to hide from the world.  Isn’t there another way?  The conversations cease as each person considers the possible consequences of accepting the message of this new Prophet. 

After a short silence, one of Jesus’ followers begins speaking.  There is another way.  Don’t you remember the story of the talents (Mt 25:14-30)?  Each servant received a portion of their master’s property and was responsible for using it wisely.  The fearful servant buried his one talent rather than risk failure, but that didn’t prevent him from suffering.  We all have talents gifted to us by God the Father.  Jesus, by his actions and words, has taught us how to live.  We must be thankful for what we have and use our gifts to help our communities.  Our most precious gift is our faith, this way of understanding how much God loves us and is always with us.  If the authorities come for us,  Jesus will give us the wisdom to speak “so that our adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute our words.”  So, we have a choice.  We can run away in fear, trying to escape suffering, but in the end, we will still die.  The speaker pauses, giving those listening an opportunity to reflect. 

Following a brief silence, one of the women speaks up.  I choose not to run or live in fear.  Since I started listening to Jesus, I feel more peaceful and hopeful.  If I leave, I might feel empty and hopeless.  My choice is to use my talents to help others.  Remember the story of the Samaritan?  That is how I want to live, gifting joy and a sense of community to those around me, even if they are not part of my tribe.  I will rely on Jesus to give me the wisdom to know what to do if someone opposes me.  And let’s not forget what He said at the end: although we will die, we with perseverance we will secure a place for ourselves in God’s Kingdom.  

In silence, the crowd begins to disburse, and each person takes the opportunity to reflect on Jesus’ teaching and the words of the other followers.  As the day ends, they realize there are no easy answers.  There is the opportunity for both goodness and suffering in everyone’s life.   Each one must decide how to live – fearful and hiding from the world, hoping this will protect them from pain and suffering, or boldly stepping into the world using our gifts to build God’s earthly Kingdom. 

Reflection question.  How do I want to live?  

Remain faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.  Rev. 2:10c