When asked about the time when the Temple will be destroyed, Jesus answers by speaking about various events that would happen in the lives of his disciples.  As parts of the New Testament attest (especially in the Acts of the Apostles) the events foretold did come to fruition for those who asked him the question.  However, what Jesus prophesied was not only about the immediate travails that his followers would face and the future end-times, but also what we can expect and look forward to as we mature and grow in our relationship with him.

     After speaking about the persecutions and tumultuous times ahead, which included the possibility of death for the disciples, Jesus gives a clear message that initially seems contradictory.  He tells them not to prepare a testimony for their own defense and, “… not a hair on your head will be destroyed”!  One might respond to this with “… so I could be tortured and killed, but my hair will not be disheveled?!” and find the entire passage too incongruous to take seriously.  Or we can come to the understanding and appreciation that Jesus is speaking about the overall divine plan. 

     Jesus did not assure His followers freedom from harm and adversity, but He pledged His abiding presence in our hearts and in our lives to secure our eternal welfare.  Three keys to finding comfort in this message of our Lord are:  faith, patience and perseverance.  Faith in the Lord assures us that His will can be accomplished in our lives as we follow in the path of redemption He left for us.  Patience allows us to wait for the Lord’s will to be accomplished according to the Divine Providence.  Finally, perseverance gives us the ability to keep our hope on the future glory in the Kingdom that lies in store for us despite the seemingly insurmountable difficulties and trials we endure at this time.   

Sacred Heart of Jesus, keep our eyes fixed on you, that we may see in the hardships we endure for your sake the path that leads to the redemption of our souls and bodies.  Amen.

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