of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2024 WEEK FOURTEEN – ORDINARY TIME

FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2024 WEEK FOURTEEN – ORDINARY TIME

PERSECUTIONS (MT 10:16-23)

Prayer:

Come, Holy Spirit, Strengthen me in moments of trial.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus preparing His disciples for persecution.

Context:

Jesus has just commissioned his apostles and sent them out to preach. He warns them of difficulties. Matthew’s Church also sent out missionaries who faced the same persecutions, both from Jews and Romans.

Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)

Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder those that attract you.)

  1. When you turn to Jesus, many will oppose you.
  2. By this teaching, Jesus tries to prepare you for what you will face.
  3. God has a purpose for this opposition. You can explain to your persecutors what God has done to you.
  4. The Spirit will give you the words that touch hearts.
  5. So, rejoice. If they persecuted the Master, they will certainly persecute you.

Affections: (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)

  • Jesus, prepare me for the opposition I will meet in my devout life.
  • Send me your Spirit so my opponents can be won over.
  • Teach me the costs of discipleship. I will pay any price.
  • When the opposition continues, let me stand firm.
  • What more could I ask for? You invite me to suffer persecution with you.

Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own.)

+ I will try to explain my conversion to all who question me.

+ If they do not understand, I will be patient.

Thought for the Day: (To recall your meditation.)