WINNING THROUGH GOD'S WISDOM AMIDST PERSECUTIONS - 11/22/22 (Memorial of St. Clement I)

Luke 21:16–19

“You will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and kinsmen and friends, and some of you they will put to death;  you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But not a hair of your head will perish.

By your endurance you will gain your lives.”

For the full readings, click here: 

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/112322.cfm

Blessed Memorial of Saint Clement I! St. Clement was the third successor of St. Peter as the Pope, and he was also a martyr. Today is also known as the "Red Wednesday" when we remember all of the persecuted Christians around the world. It is a reality, both in the past and in the present, that Christians are being persecuted for our faith. This has already been prophesied by our Lord Jesus Christ. He said that some of His followers would be put to death. Jesus was not just referring to His apostles but even to all other martyrs and Christians. Not just this, but our family members and friends may cause our sufferings when they oppose and mock our Catholic faith. It is truly hurtful when we hear blasphemies against God and our beliefs, especially if these words come from the people who are close to us. Still, we should remain hopeful in Christ because He does not just reveal to us what will happen. He also shows us that victory is on our side which is why we should endure and persevere amidst these trials and sufferings. 

Not a hair of our head will perish as what Jesus tells us. Though it's true that the martyrs and other saints were tortured because of their Catholic faith, as God reveals to us, we believe in the resurrection of the dead. The time will come when the saints will receive their glorious resurrection, and everyone will recognize the kindness and faithfulness of our Lord. And yet, experiencing these troubles will not be easy. We can only win if we depend on God's wisdom. And, the wisdom of God is Jesus Christ Himself. Our Lord Jesus is the Incarnate Wisdom. In His life, especially His sacrifice on the cross, we can learn how to be humble and patient. May we remember that the greatest wisdom which we can obtain and which can lead to conversion of sinners is not argumentation. Having a defense for our faith is important, but true wisdom is found in imitating Jesus Christ by enduring all of the trials, remaining hopeful in God, and loving our enemies. May we pray for all of the persecuted Christians that they may keep holding on to the promise of eternal life by God. The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Catholic Church. Though some of us may not experience physical martyrdom, God calls us to offer our sufferings to Him, unite them with Jesus, and be victorious by depending on the wisdom of God. 

Amen +

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, be with us always until the hour of our death. Amen. +

 

May the Lord + bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen. +  

Reflection by: Dominic

Life of St. Clement I:

https://mycatholic.life/saints/saints-of-the-liturgical-year/november-23---saint-clement-i-pope-and-martyr---optional-memorial/

Ultimate Catholic Parents Guide:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=Ls6IcexZAls

Summary and Defense of Catholic Teachings:

https://www.catholic.com/tract/pillar-of-fire-pillar-of-truth

Examination of Conscience and Guide to Sacrament of Confession:

https://mycatholic.life/catholic-prayers/examination-of-conscience/