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A Scripture wisely remarked about Jesus' disciples: "They remembered better than they understood". We may wonder how well the disciples understood what we read in this passage from Luke's Gospel which we read today. If they had fully understood everything Jesus said about suffering and persecution and its implication, they would probably have been too fearful to follow him. Some disciples did abandon Jesus when he spoke about the Eucharist (Jn 6) and Jesus challenged the others: "Will you also go away?" Peter answered both for himself and for the others: "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life".
At the crucifixion, they were indeed scattered, but only for a brief while: when Jesus rose from the dead on Easter Sunday he found at least the eleven still together. It seems that, somehow, they still felt strongly the attraction of Jesus and somehow derived great hope from him. A similar attitude must have sustained them each time they heard Jesus talk about future suffering.
Jesus, you promised us a special wisdom to help us face our enemies. As we face the disasters and suffering of this world, strengthen us with this wisdom that we may never give in to despair but live in the serene hope of our Father's providential care and love.
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DAILY OFFERING
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Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.
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PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
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INTENTION
That the Eastern Catholic Churches and their venerable traditions may be known and esteemed as a spiritual treasure for the whole Church.
Elaboration
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