The demands of discipleship can be very difficult. The strength that is needed to continue on the chosen path despite its hardships can come only from God. We live in a world that desperately needs to hear the call to conversion, but it is a world that is subject to the death that entered it through the sin of Adam. Those who answer the call of God may have to face the hostility of this world, because their values and their commitment to righteousness threaten its moorings. To commit oneself to the reign of God is to challenge the reign of the world, and this can make one very unpopular. In the midst of this suffering we can find strength in the promises of God, and we believe that God is faithful to these promises. Only half of today’s picture is bleak. The other half is radiant with hope. Paul assures us that the gracious gift that God offers us is far greater that the transgressions brought on by sin. This gracious gift is Jesus Christ himself. The gift exceeds anything for which we might have hoped. He is the comfort that will carry us through our disappointments. He is the strength that will enable us to endure the misunderstanding and hardship that come with discipleship. We are called to acknowledge him before the world, and we are promised that if we do, he will acknowledge us before God. There is light even in the midst of darkness. There is hope even in the midst of suffering.
© Dianne Bergant CSA, https:///www.liturgyhelp.com/calendar/date/2026Jun21/0/RefDiBer