The good news proclaimed by Jesus today (is this really good news?) seems at first glance a complete juxtaposition with the Jesus that both I and the premature Christmas music on local radio prefer to highlight at this time of year: the silent infant lying in a manger, the Prince of Peace, the embodiment of all that is calm and bright.
While it is true that God is peaceful, slow to anger, and rich in mercy, what do we make of today's Gospel message? How do we cope with the inevitable conflict that comes with an authentic life of faith? How do we spiritually prepare for the possibility of religious persecution—and perhaps even martyrdom—that continue to pose a real threat to Christians around the world today?
Legend tells us that while third-century martyr St. Lawrence was being burned to death on a giant grid-iron, he joked with the judge, “Turn me over, I'm done on this side!” When Saints Paul and Silas were in prison awaiting their deaths, they sang hymns of praise to God. When St. Maria Goretti was brutally assaulted and stabbed by her life-long neighbor, she forgave him on her death-bed. How did these saints and countless others respond with courage, gratitude, and joy in times of extreme suffering and death?
Long before these saints sacrificed their lives for Christ, they chose to surrender their hearts to God's will in all things. In so doing, they opened their hearts to receive an abiding peace within, even in the midst of conflict, hostility, and impending death.
Following Christ does not come with a promise of peace and harmony in this world. Even the most genuine and humble proclamation of Christ's love can lead to persecution—at times even from our closest of kin. But if we offer ourselves to Christ, he will give us the grace and inner peace necessary to trust completely in his promise of eternal life.