JESUS said to the Twelve, "Behold, I am sending you like sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and simple as doves. But beware of people, for they will hand you over to courts and scourge you in their synagogues, and you will be led before governors and kings for My sake as a witness before them and the pagans. When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say. You will be given at that moment what you are to say. For it will not be you who speak but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. "Brother will hand over brother to death, and the father his child; children will rise up against parents and have them put to death. You will be hated by all because of My name, but whoever endures to the end will be saved. When they persecute you in one town, flee to another. Amen, I say to you, you will not finish the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes."

Today’s Gospel continues Jesus’ instructions to the apostles who are being sent to the towns and villages of Galilee. A careful reading makes one aware of the "contradictions:"

* The Twelve are called upon to be like sheep in the midst of wolves, but they have also to be cunning as serpents.

* The Twelve must be simple/innocent as doves, but they are asked to be on guard as regards people around them.

* The Twelve should not worry when they are brought to court, for God will send the Spirit to give them their defense, but they must exert their best efforts to flee from persecutions.

The "contradictions" are meant to bring out some principles for Christian discipleship. First, goodness and kindness must be discerned. There are situations that call for a response of compassion and gentleness, but at times the best response is firmness and determination-stubbornness even. Second, goodness and simplicity are not the same as being naïve and open to abuse. The Christian disciple is as much an advocate of justice, as he is of charity. Lastly, for the Christian disciple, the ultimate value is the advancement of the mission to make the Kingdom of Jesus Christ known to all. This cannot be compromised.

SOURCE: "365 Days with the Lord," ST PAULS, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 895-9701; Fax 895-7328; E-mail: publishing@stpauls.ph; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.