9 July 2021
Friday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time
There is a real contrast between today’s 1st reading and the Gospel. In the former we contemplate a family expressing love and unity, whereas in the Gospel there is potential discord. Jesus speaks of possible disagreement, lack of harmony and persecution when one attempts to give witness to and spread the Gospel. He says this can happen, even within the family.
So, Our Lord in no way dissimulates the difficulties in being an apostle. One risks facing opposition, sometimes persecution from one’s co-workers, close associates, and family members. Prayer unites us in mutual acceptance and understanding, as we see exemplified in the 1st reading. What we celebrate in the Eucharistic sacrifice we must put into practice each day.
Jesus gives his potential apostles a few virtues to practice in carrying out his mission among both the friendly and hostile: prudence, simplicity, patience, and perseverance. These are gifts we should daily ask the Holy Spirit to give us, along with a sincere prayer to our heavenly Father for those who may persecute us: “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.”