Posted by The WORD in other words (2010) by Fr Jun de Ocampo SVD – Berlin, Germany
Monday 3rd Week of Lent
We often picture Jesus surrounded by loving crowds, eager to hear His words. Yet today’s Gospel shows Him surrounded by hostile crowds — even His own townspeople. The most violent crowd would come on Good Friday, when He was condemned to death.
The apostles too faced violent crowds. They were flogged, imprisoned, and rejected. Stephen was stoned to death. Paul was beaten and stoned multiple times. Jesus had already warned them: “If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you” (John 15:20).
This is a reminder for us as well. We may not face physical violence, but we encounter opposition in subtler ways.
- When family or friends dismiss Sunday Mass as unimportant.
- When society normalizes bribery, dishonesty, or abortion, and our conscience is tortured by the pressure to conform.
- When Christian values are mocked as impractical or outdated.
In many places, Christians face even harsher realities: persecution, imprisonment, or death simply for practicing their faith. Whether subtle or severe, suffering for Christ is part of discipleship.
Jesus reminds us: “In the world you will have trouble. But take courage; I have conquered the world” (John 16:33). We may be surrounded by hostile crowds, but we are never alone. Christ has already won the victory, and His Spirit strengthens us to be brave.
“Lord Jesus, give me courage to stand firm in faith, even when surrounded by opposition. Help me to live not by the world’s standards, but by Your truth and love.”
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