Tess Koning, member of our Parish Pastoral Council and Principal of St Peter’s Primary School, presents our Gospel Reflections this week and today reads from the Gospel of Luke (12: 8-12), in which Jesus says, “If anyone openly declares himself for me in the presence of men, the Son of Man will declare himself for him in the presence of God’s angels”.

Tess says, in this collection of encouragements and warnings, Jesus prepares his disciples for the opposition and persecutions they will face. He assures them of the Holy Spirit and his own recognition at the end time.

Jesus refers to the courageous testimony of faith. We have to speak the truth without worrying about what people will think of us. Here hypocrisy is attributed to those who are always trying to be diplomatic, and whose primary concern is not to lose friends or face dangers.

We are fortunate to live in a country where we are not persecuted in the way Jesus’ disciples faced for our faith. We can talk about our faith and practise it publicly, but we still might be tempted to not be open about it with those who are not like us.

As a reflection today, Tess says, we might think about our own courage in our faith and in sharing it with others.