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Gospel Reading for December 14, 2024 – Matthew 17: 9a, 10-13
EXEMPT
As they were coming down from the mountain, the disciples asked Jesus, “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” He said in reply, “Elijah will indeed come and restore all things; but I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him but did to him whatever they pleased. So also will the Son of Man suffer at their hands.” Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist.
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Suffering and sacrifice will always be part and parcel of the life of a person who follows the will of God. Look at the prophets of the Old Testament, St. John the Baptist who paved the way for the coming of Jesus, Jesus himself, the apostles and martyrs! No Christian is EXEMPT. That is, if we are TRUE CHRISTIANS.
So, what causes the suffering? Is it really necessary?
The suffering is caused by the clash between good and evil. Whenever we choose good over evil, we have to give up something we want, even sacrifice an important relationship/friendship with even our own family members. Most of the time, we have to swallow our pride and not think of what people will say about us. We have to put up with them even if they mock us for being faithful to God. There are countless small and great sufferings Christians have to go through in life.
The next question is: Is it worth the suffering? What’s in it for us?
The answer is a BIG YES, because life on earth is TEMPORARY, but the after life is FOREVER, and the reward of Eternal Life with God is for those who have faithfully followed the teachings of Jesus during their lifetime on earth. No wonder, the early Christian martyrs were not afraid to die, however cruel the death. It was their way to enter eternal life with God, their beloved!
Lord Jesus, may we live a life fitting to spend eternal life with you, the Father and the Holy Spirit!
