Homily for Wednesday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time

Jesus tells us today that by our perseverance, we will save our lives. Jesus' talk about perseverance reflects the hard reality of life for the Church, especially in the first century. Being witnesses to Jesus and to His values under the harsh rule of imperial Rome meant risking prison and even death. A believer's faith might be betrayed by one of their own family or a friend. To be recognized as a Christian could cost a person their life. It was possible to keep secret one's faith and to live a quiet life, but the danger was always there. The risk of following Jesus was genuine, especially in the early days of Christianity.

Our relationship with Jesus today isn't meant to be hidden; it should not be a private thing of no concern to anyone. If our friendship with Jesus is the most important relationship in our lives, it will affect our other relationships and guide us in what we say and do. We don't just keep our faith private but try to live it visibly. In today's culture, that is not always an easy thing to do. However, we can trust that God gives us the resources to live as Jesus' disciples and as witnesses to our faith. His abiding presence motivates us to truly live as His followers.