On Jesus animating his Apostles to Martyrdom

From  
Meditations on the Life of Our Lord 
by J. Nouet, S.J.


Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost

1st Point. "And you shall be be hated by all men for my name's sake." (Matt., x. 22.) Our Lord proposes as a motive of encouragement, that it is for his name's sake they shall be persecuted. He had strengthened their confidence by the consideration of his power.  It is "I", the Omnipotent, that "send you as sheep in the midst of wolves;" have confidence, I will render you invincible.  Now he tells them that for his sake they shall suffer persecution, in order to fortify their resolution, by his love. "Love is an excellent thing, a great good indeed, which alone maketh light all that is burdensome.  Whosoever is not ready to suffer all things, and stand resigned to the will of his beloved, is not worthy to be called a lover." (Imit., b. iii. c. 5.)

2nd Point. "But he that shall persevere unto the end he shall be saved." (Matt., x. 22.) Sufferings without perseverance merit not the crown.  Whatever good you have done, whatever trials sustained, you can never be saved unless you are faithful even unto death.  A long life of sanctity cannot save you, if the last moment surprise you in sin.  Perseverance is the glory of the saints and the crown of their virtues.  It is the nerve of your strength, the consummation of virtues, the crown of merit.

3rd Point. "The disciple is not above the master, nor the servant above the Lord.  It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his Lord.  If they have called the good man of the house Beelzebub, how much more them of his household?  Therefore, fear them not." (Matt., x. 24, et seq.)  Admire the tender charity of Jesus, who has vouchsafed to bear calumny and persecution, in order to console and fortify his followers by his example.  You who are the servant, learn patience of our Lord and Master.  Be consoled in your sufferings.  Hold it as honour to be treated as was your Saviour.  To you he addresses these words — "From the hour of my birth, till my expiring on the cross, I was never without suffering." (Imit., b. iii. c. 18.)  "Lord, thy life is our way: and by holy patience we walk on to thee, who art our crown."