Wisdom 2:1, 12-22 / John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30 (2019)
Generally speaking, we may think that good and kind people will be respected, and that religious and holy people will be looked up to.
More so when we see pictures or images of saints that give us a feeling of serenity and tranquility and we tend to think that good and kind, holy and religious people have no problems and worries in life.
But a serious examination of the lives of these people will tell us quite a different story.
For example, Archbishop Oscar Romero was shot for speaking up against violence and injustice, St. Maximilian Kolbe was tortured and finally killed for offering to take the place of a condemned prisoner, Martin Luther King was assassinated for speaking on human rights and Gandhi was also assassinated for advocating non-violence in the struggle for independence.
The list of good and kind people being persecuted goes on and on, and that makes us re-think our assumptions on how good and kind people are treated.
The 1st reading also state likewise. It gives us an idea of how the godless or wicked people will think in their misguided reasoning.
In short, the wicked and evil people have no hope that holiness will be rewarded and they can see no reward for blameless souls.
Even Jesus, the Son of God had to face persecutions and evil intentions of harming Him as we heard in the gospel.
Yet just as the truth will prevail, so will goodness and holiness.
But we have to persevere. The lives of the saints and holy people tell us this: goodness and holiness will always face persecution from evil and wickedness.
But just as Jesus triumphed over evil and death, let us persevere in doing good and leading holy lives so as to share in the victory of Jesus.