During the weeks that the Apostles were away on their mission they had met neither contradictions nor ill-treatment. They might have thought it would be so always, and this would have been a fatal error.
Jesus undeceived them by predicting their future mission would be very different: amidst pagan nations. “Behold, I send you as sheep amidst wolves.” (Mt 10:16)
Forewarnings of these trials greatly strengthened the faith and courage of the Apostles and the future first Christians. Nothing surprised nor discouraged them.
We, disciples and apostles of Jesus Christ should remember crosses of all kinds are to be our lot in this world. When they fall on us we should be neither surprised nor cast down. We must be more surprised if we are not called to bear harder trials, to fight greater battles, more worthy of a soldier of Jesus Christ.
The martyrdom of St John Baptist during the Apostles’ mission, served to confirm the idea our Lord had given them of their future fate. The life of the holy precursor was a continual apostolate, distinguished by purest and most disinterested zeal imaginable.
The Apostles heard Jesus praise him; now they knew John had fallen a victim to his zeal. Herod had sacrificed him to the vengeance of a shameless woman. After having been kept in chains a year and a half he was beheaded; but their Divine Master made no opposition. It sufficed to make them understand what he said: “Blessed are those who are persecuted, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (cf Mt 5:10)
While we remember the martyrdom of St John Baptist, we should again resolve not to fear men in zealous accomplishment of our duties. Let us abandon ourselves again without reserve into the hands of God; he will draw good out of the evil men may do to us. St John’s suffering won for him the martyr’s crown.
Let us consider how Jesus encouraged his disciples: that every hair of their heads is numbered, that men can kill the body only. Whoever loses his life for God shall find it again glorified in heaven. His own example: “If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you. The disciple is not above the teacher, nor the servant above his master.” (Mt 10:24)
What greater encouragement could our Lord give to his Apostles, and to us especially, when this likeness between the servant and his lord will extend to the next world? He assured: “And I dispose to you, as my Father has disposed to me, a kingdom!” (Lk 27:22) Therefore, far from avoiding crosses, we shall desire them.
Ref: cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp505-7
Catechesis
The Church has always considered catechesis as one of her fundamental duties, arising from the risen Lord’s last command: to make disciples of all peoples, to teach them to observe everything which he had prescribed.
In catechesis, it is Christ who is taught to catechumens; everything else is in reference to him. Christ alone is our master, our teacher. Every other teacher is so to the degree that he is Christ’s spokesman, consenting to Christ teaching through his mouth.
Catechesis is first of all a way. It must render a vital encounter possible with the person of Christ, through faith. Being Christian means saying 'Yes' to Christ. This 'Yes' consists in abandoning oneself to the Words of God by resting on them. But even more it means trying to know better the profound sense of this Word.
Catechesis is necessary. All have need to be catechized. It must be a permanent school of faith and accompany the great stages of life, a beacon lighting the way.
We live in a difficult world, where anguish springs up from seeing man’s best accomplishments turn against him. Such anguish sets up a milieu of uncertainty. Catechesis ought to help Christians to be light and soul, for their joy and for service to all.
Catechesis is sought to teach the young and adults to be lucid and coherent in their faith, to affirm their Christian and Catholic identity with serenity, to adhere strongly in this way to the absolute of God, be able to give testimony of him everywhere, in all circumstances.
Ref: cf “Prayers and Devotions from Pope John Paul II”, p283-4
On becoming saints wherever we may be
A tepid life and a half-hearted dedication make Our Lord unhappy. “Every branch that does bear fruit he prunes that it may bear more fruit.” (Jn 15:2)
The Master purifies his own, making them experience trials and contradictions. All the pain God allows serves to purify the soul so it may yield more fruit. A mystery of suffering, but always a grace from Heaven.
All times and every circumstance are opportune for loving God more, because our interior life thrives in its environment. Growth is the work of the Holy Spirit. With even greater reason will we grow in strength, because it is our Father God who has chosen the terrain and gives the graces necessary for us to bear fruit.
We grow up among whoever form our immediate environment, with all their virtues, failings, idiosyncrasies. We must love our work so it will sanctify not only us, but also our colleagues, classmates, neighbors. God calls everyone to holiness in every circumstance.
Our Lord wants us to be saints at all times: in war or peace, in sickness or health, in victory or defeat, amidst luxury of time or when we are barely able to do our duties. Those who do not rely on grace usually say: now is not the right time for sanctity; later, perhaps ...
Dispel the thought that in another place or situation our apostolate would be more fruitful. The fruits of sanctity Our Lord expects are those produced wherever we find ourselves, in tiredness and whatever.
Let us ask the Blessed Virgin for zeal for sanctity in our circumstances. Let us not wait for that more opportune moment; there isn’t any. Now is the most acceptable time to love God with all our heart, with all our mind ...
Ref: cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 3:598-9; 561
On this day the sepulchre of Our Lady was opened, and in proof that the Blessed Virgin was already assumed into heaven, nothing was found but her winding-sheet, which gave a delicious perfume. — Saussey, Martyrologium Gallicui, die Assump tionis. “Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; (http://www.bethlehemobserver.com)
Our Lady of Trapani (Sicily, Italy). (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html); (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html)
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