How does one retain “Christian Hope” in the situations of repression? (Reflection on Luke 21: 12-19)

We hear Jesus mentioning about persecutions that His faithful followers would have to face in the Gospel today, taken from Luke 21: 12-19 (click here to read the Gospel text).  Here are my reflections in response to the mass readings today based on Pope Benedict XVI's encyclical - Spe Salvi. 

Pope Benedict gives us a few suggestions on how Christian Hope can be retained in situations of repression. He first suggests that we have to practice our hope through prayer. When no one listens to us anymore, when no one wants to talk to us, when no one wants to help us, God is there. We can talk to God, for He listens and helps us in all situations. For when we pray we are never alone. The God of hope listens and is with us. This will enable us to be witnesses of hope for when we are open to God, our hearts then are open to all people.

 

The Pope goes on further to say that all serious and upright human conduct is hope in action. This is the performative dimension of our faith. The trials and struggles that we encounter does not fail us on our journey of faith for it becomes a stepping stone, for our hope gives us the meaning and importance on why we must carry on in the actions to build the Kingdom of God.  The Pope says. “It is the great hope based upon God's promises that gives us courage and directs our action in good times and bad.”

I now conclude with the Pope’s 2012 Easter message, He says; “Christ is hope and comfort in a particular way for those Christian communities suffering most for their faith on account of discrimination and persecution, and He is present as a force of hope through His Church, which is close to all human situations of suffering and injustice.” Now this is indeed a great inspiration for all us to hope in God, in His church and in His people in situations of repression we face. (Click here to read my article on 'How does one promote the faith under conditions of 'no religious freedom'?'

By your perseverance you will secure your lives (Luke 21:19)