Jesus’ Life: Chapter 17 – Jesus’ Last Supper Messages
At the Last Supper, Jesus foretold the eleven Apostles they would be subjected to great persecution and trials, they would be cast out of the synagogue and, “A time is coming when the one who kills you will think he is offering service to God”.
St Stephen was among the first group of Deacons appointed by the Apostles to preach the Gospel after Jesus’ death. He was also among the first to be brought before a Jewish council, accused of blasphemy, taken outside the city walls and stoned to death. (Acts 7:54-60) The Jews who killed him claimed to be, “Serving God”.
We still find the same attitude in our world today. Just as the Jews persecuted the Apostles under the pretext that they had blasphemed or abandoned the Jewish religion for Christianity (Apostasy), ‘religions’ continue to persecute Christians worldwide. They claim that they are upholding their own faith by persecuting and executing, in the name of serving their god.
Yet, we know that hypocrites regularly disguise their wrongdoings by claiming extreme fervour for their god. Our God does not want you or I to destroy the innocent life that He created? Our God asks us to love, even our enemies. (John 16:1-4)
Thought
Pray for all who will be persecuted today for practising and preaching the Christian faith.
Reflection
Lord Jesus, grant courage to the weary and downtrodden. Enlighten them by the power of your Holy Spirit and assist them as they carry their cross for Christianity.
Prayer: Teach Us
Teach us Good Lord;
To serve you as you deserve;
To give and not to count the cost;
To fight and not to heed the wounds;
To toil and not to seek for rest;
To labour and to ask for no reward,
Save that of knowing we do your will.
