Fr Paul Gooley reads from Luke’s Gospel (21: 12-19) in which Jesus tells the disciples what they will suffer for following him. Fr Paul says today’s reading is almost a summary of the Acts of the Apostles: when the disciples start to continue the mission of Jesus they, too, experience maltreatment in synagogues, imprisonment after being arrested and brought before governors and kings – all because of the name of Christ, for to call Christ “Lord” rather than the emperor or king was a distinguishing mark of Christians. It was, therefore, a passport to persecution. Even though they will be hated by everyone, Luke tells us that Jesus himself will give them the words and the wisdom they will need. The dangers and trials do not come to an end with the first century; they have continued throughout Christian history; and at all times it is vital that we don’t give up but we persevere and continue on.