When Faith Is Tested, It Is Strengthened!
Dear Parishioners,
No less true today is the saying that the seed of faith is nourished by the blood of martyrs. In an affluence society like ours, it is easy to forget that the faith we cherish was won and preserved through the sufferings of many who laid down their lives so that the gospel of Jesus might reach us. Modern society has continued to travel through that worn pathway of persecuting the faith and the faithful. However, when faith is tested, it is strengthened. The prophet is the one who stands unhesitatingly on God’s side because it is impossible for him or her to stand anywhere else.
Today’s reading brings to our attention the cost of discipleship as clearly demonstrated in the sufferings of prophet Jeremiah. His vocation appears to be most difficult. Jeremiah was seen as a threat and demoralizing force, because he advised the king and his army to surrender to the Babylonian invading forces so that they might be saved. What did he get in return? He was rejected, accused of treason and condemned to death. He was thrown into a cistern and left to die. Ironically Jeremiah was rescued by the intervention of a court official Ebed-melech, who was a foreigner working in the King Zedekiah’s palace. This reminds us of the story of Joseph who was thrown into a cistern by his jealous brothers and saved by a caravan of Midianites (Gen 37:20-28).
In the gospel, Jesus speaks of the pain which his mission demands, beginning with his humiliating death and a later division even among family members, which faith in him will cause. It sounds very scary and confusing when he says that he did not come to bring peace but violence. We know he speaks in metaphorical terms. Remember Jesus is the prince of peace. The peace that Jesus speaks of and brings is the restoration of harmony between God and humankind and the universe through reconciliation.
Furthermore, his message and the response that it evoked resulted in division, even within the family. In this sense he came to bring not peace but division. But as Jesus elsewhere indicates, new family relations are now established among his disciples which transcend those of blood bonds.” The author of the book of Hebrews points us to the outcome of it all directing us to God’s vindication of his servants. Jesus and the prophets were not spared trials; they passed from trial to glory. So, shall it be for us if we remain faithful.
Be prepared, the suffering for belief is not something of the past. Today many of us are afraid to speak the truth of our faith publicly. We have become punching bags for the media, entertainment industries, even our own government with some of her immoral policies and laws. It is profoundly sad to acknowledge that persecution comes from the hands of those who once professed or still profess Christian faith. Stand up for your faith and profess it.
The fire is already burning fiercely. Everyone is being tested. The church is suffering, and God’s people are not speared. We all feel the heat. As fire destroys, it also purifies. This will make us into a new creature in the image of Christ. Let us keep asking the Lord to rekindle the fire of his love in our hearts, in our homes and among nations.
Sincerely Yours In The Lord,
Rev. Vitalis Anyanike
Pastor
