It will lead to your giving testimony

26 NOVEMBER (Lk 21,12-19)

The Word of the Lord Jesus is divinely true. A testimony given by accused and incarcerated persons, plays an official role. It is not a word like any other. On the contrary, it is a word of blood, of martyrdom, of inner freedom at the cost of external imprisonment. Paul in chains illuminates Romansand Jews, pagans and unbelievers, judges and lawyers, jailers, tribunes, centurions, the chief priests, the scribes, the Pharisees and the whole Sanhedrin. So he tells his story to Agrippa in the presence of Berenice and Festo.

“On one such occasion I was travelling to Damascus with the authorization and commission of the chief priests. At midday, along the way, O king, I saw a light from the sky, brighter than the sun, shining around me and my travelling companions. We all fell to the ground and I heard a voice saying to me in Hebrew, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goad.’ And I said, ‘Who are you, sir?’ And the Lord replied, ‘I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. Get up now, and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness of what you have seen (of me) and what you will be shown. I shall deliver you from this people and from the Gentiles to whom I send you, to open their eyes that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may obtain forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been consecrated by faith in me.’ “And so, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision. On the contrary, first to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem and throughout the whole country of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, I preached the need to repent and turn to God, and to do works giving evidence of repentance. That is why the Jews seized me (when I was) in the temple and tried to kill me. But I have enjoyed God’s help to this very day, and so I stand here testifying to small and great alike, saying nothing different from what the prophets and Moses foretold, that the Messiah must suffer and that, as the first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles”

While Paul was so speaking in his defense, Festus said in a loud voice, “You are mad, Paul; much learning is driving you mad.” But Paul replied, “I am not mad, most excellent Festus; I am speaking words of truth and reason. The king knows about these matters and to him I speak boldly, for I cannot believe that (any) of this has escaped his notice; this was not done in a corner. King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you believe.” Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You will soon persuade me to play the Christian.” Paul replied, “I would pray to God that sooner or later not only you but all who listen to me today might become as I am except for these chains.” Then the king rose, and with him the governor and Bernice and the others who sat with them. And after they had withdrawn they said to one another, “This man is doing nothing (at all) that deserves death or imprisonment.” And Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.” (Cf. At 26,1-32).

The disciple of God knows and understands one thing: his life is in the full service of his Lord. If he is needed to him as a free person, he goes throughout the world to preach the Gospel to every creature. If he is needed to him as a prisoner, he always bears witness. He gives it in an official way, under oath, at the cost of his life. Before a man who to support the truth that animates him inside is also ready to die, the listener must alsowonder, ask himself, think and reflect. Not only due to the truth that he testifies, but also for the charity, love, mercy and compassion that always accompanies his life. The life of a disciple of Jesus is woven of most pure love. Nothing more.

“Before all this happens, however, they will seize and persecute you, they will hand you over to the synagogues and to prisons, and they will have you led before kings and governors because of my name. It will lead to your giving testimony. Remember, you are not to prepare your defense beforehand, for I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute. You will even be handed over by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends, and they will put some of you to death. You will be hated by all because of my name, but not a hair on your head will be destroyed. By your perseverance you will secure your lives.

The Father of Heaven always watches over the disciples of the Lord. He knows how to make best use of their lives. His wisdom is infinitely beyond all human wisdom and intelligence.

Virgin Mary, Mother of the Redemption, Angels, Saints, make a gift of our life.