Prayer/ Reflection  

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord

The first part of today’s reading shows how Jesus’ mission was more important than any worldly danger he might have faced. The second part of the reading shows how that danger is, itself, a symptom of why the world needs his mission.

The world can be a hostile place for believers. In some places, people are persecuted, even killed, for attending Mass. And yet it’s precisely those places where we often find faith at its strongest, and faith communities full of life and activity.

‘Your house will be abandoned’ says Jesus. The way of violence and persecution will leave you with nothing. ‘You will not see me until the time comes when you say, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.”’ Only the way of Jesus offers life.