Catholic Homily: Navigating Persecution with Wisdom and Integrity Fr Stabin John
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
Today's Gospel passage from Matthew 10:16-23 provides a sobering and powerful message from Jesus to His Apostles as He sends them out on their mission. He warns them about the hostility they will face, painting a vivid picture of their vulnerability: “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves” (Matthew 10:16). This imagery highlights the Apostles' helplessness before fierce attackers, but Jesus doesn't leave them defenseless. Instead, He equips them with essential virtues: shrewdness and simplicity.
Shrewd as Serpents, Simple as Doves
Jesus tells His Apostles to be “shrewd as serpents and simple as doves” (Matthew 10:16). This call to shrewdness means prudently anticipating threats and finding ways to survive without compromising their mission. It’s a reminder that while they must be wise and cautious, their tactics should be driven by pure motives and unwavering dedication to their ministry. The word for simple in this context means “unmixed,” suggesting that their shrewdness must be balanced with innocence and integrity.
Saint Paul: A Model of Shrewdness and Simplicity
We see a vivid example of this balance in the life of Saint Paul. When Paul was brought before the Sanhedrin, a mixed assembly of Sadducees and Pharisees, he cleverly declared himself a Pharisee and mentioned the resurrection, knowing this would divide the council. His shrewdness in recognizing and exploiting the division allowed him to navigate a dangerous situation (Acts 23:6-10). Despite his cleverness, Paul’s motives remained pure, driven solely by his mission to spread the Gospel.
A Real-Life Story: Maximilian Kolbe
A modern example of balancing shrewdness and simplicity can be found in the life of Saint Maximilian Kolbe. During World War II, Saint Maximilian was arrested and sent to the Auschwitz concentration camp. When a fellow prisoner was condemned to die, Maximilian offered to take his place, showcasing his pure, Christ-like love and simplicity. Yet, throughout his imprisonment, he was also shrewd, finding ways to minister to and uplift the spirits of his fellow prisoners despite the hostile environment.
Maximilian Kolbe’s actions embody Jesus' teaching perfectly. He demonstrated wisdom in navigating the brutal conditions of the camp while maintaining his innocence and purity of heart, ultimately sacrificing his life for another.
Facing Persecution Today
In our own lives, we may not face the same level of physical persecution as the Apostles or saints like Paul and Maximilian Kolbe, but we do encounter hostility and challenges to our faith. Jesus' instruction to be “shrewd as serpents and simple as doves” is just as relevant to us. We are called to navigate our world with wisdom, discerning threats and acting prudently, while always maintaining our integrity and purity of heart.
Reflection
Let us reflect on Jesus’ words and the examples of Saint Paul and Saint Maximilian Kolbe. How can we be wise in our dealings, protecting ourselves and our faith without compromising our values? How can we maintain the simplicity and purity of heart that Jesus calls for, even in the face of hostility?
Saint Francis de Sales offers us this wisdom: “Nothing is so strong as gentleness, nothing so gentle as real strength.” This quote encapsulates the balance we are called to achieve-strength in shrewdness and gentleness in simplicity.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, grant us the wisdom to navigate the challenges and hostilities we face with shrewdness and integrity. Help us to remain pure of heart, dedicated to our mission of spreading Your love and truth. May the examples of Saint Paul and Saint Maximilian Kolbe inspire us to live out Your teachings with courage and faithfulness. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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