Conquering Through Persecution

Speaker: Archbishop Loren Thomas Hines

June 21, 2020

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2nd Sunday of Ordinary Time
Archbishop Loren Thomas Hines
June 21, 2020

Readings: Jeremiah 20: 7-13
Romans 5: 15B – 19
Matthew 10: 16 – 33

From the very beginning, God had a foundation, a purpose and a plan for us. We can really see the heart of God, because when man sinned, God sent His Son to solve the problem, to destroy the works of the enemy. The enemy, thru deception had somehow left an impact in man’s thinking that weakness still prevails. Yet, God wanted man to have a relationship with Him. He has always reigned and ruled. There may have been struggles in between, but in the end, God always reigned and ruled.

Conflicts in life are normal because we are upsetting the plans of the enemy. Christ however, has given us the power to overcome the enemy’s ploy. All around us there is evil. Scriptures tell us that the disciples were empowered to continue doing the work of Christ to destroy the works of the enemy. Christ also told them they were going to face persecution and opposition. He said He was sending them as sheep among the wolves. God wanted His people back. He was showing His disciples there will be conflict because each time the truth is unveiled, it will cause evil to fight back. Jesus had to go to the cross to destroy the evil and overcome it through the power of the resurrection.

People live in fear today because of news we read and hear everyday. But we should conquer our fears. How can you conquer when you haven’t had a battle? God wants us to hold firm inspite of opposition, and not to give in. We should not compromise but stand in His principles when unfavorable circumstances happen. These should not take away the faith we have in God. God is the one who is in control. He is the one who sets the course. When we stand firm, we are not acting in rebellion against man’s laws or the government’s, but rather acting in confidence because of God.

We have a God who does not deal with fear but with faith. Therefore, we should not fear persecution. We should not fear darkness because we are the light of the world. Even if they try to destroy the body, the soul is eternal and therefore more important. At a time we are living in right now, God is reminding us to use our faith. He is letting us know that there are many things in life that are not necessary. God should be our priority. Greater is God in us then all the events that are happening in life. It is God who brings peace to us.