STANDING BY GOD’S WORD DESPITE THE COST

Today’s readings remind us of the cost of discipleship and the courage required to stand for the truth. In the First Reading, the prophet Jeremiah faced opposition for speaking God’s word. Central to Jeremiah’s message were prophecies of impending divine judgment as a warning against idolatry, social injustice, and moral decadence practiced by the inhabitants of Judea. Moreover, he told the people to submit to the yoke of the king of Babylon if they wanted to survive. His message was demoralizing to the defenders of Jerusalem, and so the princes and King Zedekiah had him thrown into the muddy cistern so that he would cease to speak God’s word. Yet God rescued him through an unlikely helper, Ebed-melech the Cushite, a court official. This reminds us that when we stand for truth and justice, we may suffer, but God will never forsake us.

Like the psalmist in Psalm 40, we echo the plea of every struggling believer: “Lord, come to my aid!” This is our prayer when we face trials. God is our refuge, and he will sustain us.

The early Christians faced opposition and conflict from Jews and Gentiles. Many actually reached the point of “shedding blood” because of their faith. In the Second Reading, the writer of the Letter to the Hebrews encourages his audience to run the race of faithfulness with perseverance, keeping their eyes on Jesus. They were being surrounded by a great “cloud of witnesses”—the patriarchs and the prophets of old, and the Christian saints and the martyrs who have won the crown of glory. Faith requires decisions, and sometimes these choices create divisions. But Jesus calls us to remain steadfast, even when it is difficult. Jesus endured the cross for our sake, showing us the path of faithfulness, no matter the cost. True discipleship requires sacrifice.

In the Gospel, Jesus shocks with his declaration: “I have come to set the earth on fire... Do you think I have come to bring peace? No, but rather division.” These words are unsettling. Is not Jesus the Prince of Peace? Why does he speak of division? Jesus warns his disciples that they will encounter division within their ranks and even among family members when they choose his Gospel message and lifestyle. This conflict is illustrated as a fire that purifies and refines. The fire Jesus brings is the fire of God’s truth, love, and justice. It challenges us to make a choice—to follow Christ wholeheartedly rather than remaining in the comfort of the world’s values. When we commit to Christ, it may create conflict even within our own families, as some accept his call while others resist it. But like Jesus, when we encounter division, let us not lose heart, but remain steadfast in promoting his saving message of truth, justice, and love.

Let us ask God for the courage to remain faithful, the strength to endure hardships, and the grace to be Christ’s witnesses in a world that desperately needs his light. The cost of discipleship is never easy; it requires courage, endurance, and faith in the face of opposition. As long as we trust that God is always with us, we win in the end.

20th Sunday in Ordinary Time (August 17)

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