November 2001

The persecutions against the early Christians had already begun when Luke wrote his Gospel. But, as with every word of God, this sentence, too, is directed to Christians of all times and to their everyday lives. It contains a warning and a promise. One has more to do with our present life and the other, with our future life. Both invariably prove to be true in the history of the Church and in the personal circumstances of all those who strive to be faithful disciples of Christ. It is normal for a follower of Christ to be hated. In this world it is the destiny of a genuine Christian. Let us not deceive ourselves. Paul reminds us: “All who want to live religiously in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Tim 3:12). Jesus explains why: “If you belonged to the world, the world would love its own; but because you do not belong to the world, and I have chosen you out of the world, the world hates you” (Jn 15:19). There will always be a contrast between the lifestyle of a Christian and that of a society that rejects Gospel values. This contrast can foment into a more or less masked persecution or into an indifference that makes us suffer.

«All will hate you because of me, yet not a hair of your head will be harmed.»

So we have been warned. When, without our understanding why, outside of the schemes of all logic and common sense, we receive hatred in exchange for the love we tried to give, this return must not disorient, scandalize or surprise us. It is nothing other than an indication of the opposition that exists between selfish human beings and God. But it’s also the guarantee that we are on the right path, the same one the Master traveled. So it’s a moment for rejoicing and being glad. And this is the way Jesus wants us to be: “Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you… because of me. Rejoice and be glad” (Mt 5:11-12). Yes, in that moment what must prevail in our heart is joy, that joy which is the characteristic note, the uniform of true Christians in every circumstance. Also because – and we should not forget this – we have many friends, brothers and sisters in the faith, and their love is a source of consolation and strength.

«All will hate you because of me, yet not a hair of your head will be harmed.»

But there is also the promise of Jesus: “… not a hair of your head will be harmed.” What do these words mean? Jesus takes up something that Samuel said and applies it to the final destiny of his disciples, in order to assure us that, although this hatred brings real suffering and real difficulties, we should realize that we are entirely in the hands of God who is our Father, who knows everything about us, and who will never abandon us. When Jesus says that not even a hair of our head will be harmed, he means to assure us that he himself will take care of every worry no matter how small, for our own life, for those dear to us, and for all that is important to us. How many martyrs known and unknown, have drawn from his words the strength and courage to face the loss of their rights, division, isolation, contempt, even a violent death, at times, always certain that God, in his love, permits everything for the good of his children!

«All will hate you because of me, yet not a hair of your head will be harmed.»

If we are the target of hatred or violence, or if we feel that we are at the mercy of the powerful, we already know the attitude that Jesus wants us to have: we must love our enemies, do good to those who hate us, bless those who curse us and pray for those who mistreat us. We must make a counterattack and win hatred with love. How can we do this? By taking the initiative in loving, and being careful not to “hate” anyone, not even in a hidden or subtle way. Although the world rejects God, it needs him, his love, and it can respond to his call. In conclusion, how can we live this Word of Life? By being happy to discover ourselves worthy of the world’s hatred, which is the guarantee that we are following Jesus ever more closely, and by loving in a concrete way precisely where there is hatred.

Chiara Lubich