In today’s first reading from Wisdom 2, we hear from the wicked. They despise “the just one.” They want to “condemn him to a shameful death.” We know, of course, that this is a prophecy of the Christ. In the Gospel reading from John 7, we see that the Jews were trying to kill Jesus.
The wicked want to persecute the just one because he sees the world differently than they. “He judges us debased; he holds aloof from our paths as from things impure.” They set out, then, to marginalize and eventually kill him. Does any of this sound familiar? I think it should.
The tactics used by the wicked thousands of years ago are tactics still used today. As followers of Christ, we should be honored, and should never lose heart. Because while evil will have its day, it will never triumph in the end. Want proof? Listen to the last words from today’s first reading. “For their wickedness blinded them, and they knew not the hidden counsels of God; neither did they count on a recompense of holiness nor discern the innocent souls’ reward.”
Father, we know that we will be persecuted for following your Son. Give us the strength to always keep the faith and carry our cross. Amen.
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