Today’s first reading from the Acts briefly describes the second half of the missionary trip of Paul and Barnabas. Because we do not know the lands and seas of Asia Minor or the cultural details of the time, it is challenging for us to feel or understand what the apostles had to suffer during their trip. Moreover, because Catholic Christians of our time rarely have firsthand experience of evangelizing non-believers, we do not share their fatigues and frustrations, either.

However, lots of efforts, trials and errors, sufferings and sacrifices are compressed into this short passage. Imagine somebody throws something at you because you speak of Jesus. Would that be a lifelong trauma? What if a group of people lynched you? I would have a hard time even stepping out of my home due to the trauma. But, almost humorously, immediately after Paul was stoned by the Jews, he got up and resumed his missionary journey. It sounds unbelievable.

St Paul does not say much today. He only says, “It is through many persecutions that we must enter the kingdom of God.” One thing that stands out to me is that St Paul focuses on salvation instead of evangelization here. It would make perfect sense if he had said, “It is through many persecutions that we must bring the Good News to the Gentiles.” However, St Paul seems to avoid giving an impression of praising his effort for evangelization. Evangelization was not the ultimate goal of his sufferings. It was to be with Christ in heaven. Receiving persecutions becomes worthwhile only because we can be with Christ. It is not to elevate our sense of self-esteem as martyrs and witnesses.

Indeed, to be with Christ, to enter the kingdom of God, to receive eternal life does not come without persecutions. Some might think we could avoid them and remain good Christians. But that is not the reality. Because Satan pervades all times and places, whenever and wherever we testify to the Gospel, we face resistance and persecution. I often find this resistance even within my soul.

To live according to the Word of Christ accompanies sufferings from resistance and persecution. It is not pleasant to our weak human nature. It is only possible when we abandon ourselves to Jesus.