The Sacred Pit: A Place of Suffering and Hope

Daily Gospel: Luke 21:12-19

Jesus said to the crowd: “They will seize and persecute you, they will hand you over to the synagogues and to prisons, and they will have you led before kings and governors because of my name. It will lead to your giving testimony. Remember, you are not to prepare your defence beforehand, for I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute. You will even be handed over by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends, and they will put some of you to death. You will be hated by all because of my name, but not a hair on your head will be destroyed. By your perseverance you will secure your lives.”

Reflection: The Sacred Pit: A Place of Suffering and Hope

The Sacred Pit, a dimly lit chamber beneath the Church of St. Peter in Gallicantu in Jerusalem, is believed to be the very place where Jesus was imprisoned the night before his crucifixion. We had the privilege of visiting this historic site in the summer of last year.

I chose this image as a reminder of the Gospel reading for today from St. Luke 21:12-19. While Jesus warned his disciples of the trials and tribulations they would face, including persecution, betrayal, and even death, He Himself experienced first-hand the harsh conditions of this small and dark chamber before His own crucifixion.

Jesus explicitly stated that his followers will be persecuted and betrayed and it will come from within, with family members and friends turning against them. But, amidst this forecast, He offers a message of hope and endurance. He assured them that not a hair on their heads will be lost, suggesting divine protection and ultimate victory.

While we may not face the same level of physical persecution as Jesus and His disciples, we still encounter trials and tribulations in our daily lives. These can range from workplace discrimination and family disagreements to social exclusion based on our beliefs.

This calls us to embrace our own cross, sharing in Christ's suffering and trusting in God's control, even in the darkest of times. With God's grace, we can overcome any obstacle. By reflecting on these verses, we can draw strength and inspiration to face whatever challenges may come our way.