Matthew 10: 16-23
Jesus said to his Apostles:
“See, I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Beware of them, for they will hand you over to councils and flog you in their synagogues; and you will be dragged before governors and kings because of me, as a testimony to them and the Gentiles. When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you at that time; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death; and you will be hated by all because of my name. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next; for truly I tell you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.”
New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.
Enduring to the End
"Whoever endures to the end will be saved."
Jesus speaks these words to the disciples as he prepares them for the challenges they will face in sharing the Gospel. He does not promise them an easy path. Instead, he reminds them that faith requires perseverance.
These words can be a source of hope for all of us. None of us follows Christ perfectly. There are times when faith feels strong and times when it feels difficult. There are moments of conviction and moments of uncertainty. Jesus does not ask us to be perfect; he asks us to remain faithful.
The Christian life is not measured by a single day, decision, or setback. It is a lifelong journey of growing in relationship with God. Each day offers a new opportunity to begin again. Enduring to the end means placing our hope not in our own strength, but in God's faithfulness. He walks with us through every challenge and continues to call us closer to him throughout our lives.
—Maggie Palider is an assistant director of advancement and communications for the Midwest Jesuits, and a graduate of Loyola University Chicago.
Prayer
More than ever I find myself in the hands of God.
This is what I have wanted all my life from my youth.
But now there is a difference;
the initiative is entirely with God.
It is indeed a profound spiritual experience
to know and feel myself so totally in God’s hands.
—Pedro Arrupe, SJ