27th Week in OT 2019 - Friday - Irrational Opposition to Jesus

As Jesus’ mission progressed, the Lord began to face mounting opposition from his critics. His critics even began to criticize the good he was doing. When Jesus forgave the sins of the paralytic, the Jewish leaders accused him of blasphemy; when he allowed the sinful woman to anoint and honor Him, a Pharisee was upset that he allowed such a woman to touch him.  Jesus was constantly being ridiculed for reaching out and eating with tax collectors and prostitutes. And, we heard in the Gospel, how Pharisees accuse Jesus of using the power of the devil to cast out a demon.

In the present age, the good work of the Church is similarly criticized.  When she speaks about the dignity of marriage, she is criticized and called anti-Gay.  When she speaks about the evil of abortion, she is criticized as being anti-woman.  When she speaks about the importance of holding on to the timeless truth that comes from God she is called anti-progress. When Pope Benedict spoke out against certain violent tendencies in Islam, he was criticized for being anti-tolerance.  When Pope Francis spoke wrote about the dangers of unfettered capitalism, “the cult of money and the dictatorship” of an inhumane economy, he was lambasted and called ignorant. Priests who are faithful to their duty to obey Church law are labeled as rigid or unpastoral.

The Church has been labeled anti-freedom, anti-science, anti-human flourishing.  And yet, she is the greatest instrument of true progress, true freedom, and true joy.

Today’s Gospel reminds us that there will always be irrational resistance towards the Church, toward the Christian message.  But that doesn’t mean we stop working or compromise the Truth.  Resistance to the Gospel doesn’t mean that we have the authority to change it.  We might have to state it more clearly, with greater conviction.  We might simply have to suffer for it. 

We shouldn’t be surprised that working for the spread of the truth feels like a constant, uphill battle.  Christ continued his ministry despite the opposition.  And so must we. 

May we be faithful when we face opposition in our Gospel mission for the glory of God and salvation of souls.
 
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That Christians may be faithful to evangelization, especially in the face of opposition, and for Pope Francis’ prayer intention for the month of October, “that the breath of the Holy Spirit may engender a new missionary ‘spring’ in the Church.

For those who have fallen into error, for Catholics who have grown lukewarm in their faith, for those who have left the Church, for their conversion and the conversion of all hearts.

For an increase in devotion to Our Lady’s Holy Rosary, and that we may all come to more fully imitate Our Lady’s faith and purity.

That the love of Christ, the divine physician, may bring healing to the sick and comfort to all the suffering.

For the deceased members of our families, friends, and parish, and all the poor souls in purgatory, for deceased priests and religious, and for those who have fought and died for our freedom.

O God, you know that our life in this present age is subject to suffering and need, hear the prayers of those who cry to you and receive the prayers of those who believe in you. Through Christ our Lord.