Of Persecutions

Of Persecutions

Sermon on the Mount. St Luke.

(The Gospel History, Section 43)

Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake. Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy: for behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the same manner did their fathers unto the prophets. But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation. Woe unto you, ye that are full now! for ye shall hunger. Woe unto you, ye that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep. Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for in the same manner did their fathers to the false prophets.

Of Persecutions

(The Saviour of the World, Vol II Book III Poem XXXIII)

How piteous for a mother to behold
Her daughter faint and worn with nursing cares,
Borne for the mother who would fain bear all!
Piteous for father, strong young son to see
Out-wrought with labour, all for care of him!
But, ah, how piteous to the heart of Christ,
All woes should fall upon the Chosen Twelve!
The “Everlasting Father” reached out arms
Of comforting: “Rejoice, that day,” saith He,
“When men shall persecute you, drive you forth
“From synagogue, outcast from kith and kin,
“Reproached and buffeted, and all for Me!
“Rejoice when those days come and leap for joy!
“Thus fared it with the prophets; so are ye
“Placed on the roll of them went forth to war
“For God against the nations, fear not ye;
“He that is for you’s greater than they all;
“And He hath secret ways of solacing
“Who suffer for His Name; in heaven and now
“Is your reward when these things come to pass;
“In stonings, martyrdoms, scourgings and fears,
“The joy of God shall as in fiery car
“Bear you above all malice of the world;
“Rejoice that day, and be exceeding glad!
“But, do men praise you, flatter to your face,
“Seek you as oracles, reward in hand,
“Pour world’s prosperity upon your head
“As ointment sweet of savour? Woe to you!
“False prophets thus their fathers cherishéd;
“When all goes well with you, be ye afraid!”
The Twelve heard, fearful,—all their present thought,
Messiah’s kingdom they were called to spread;
If need were, die for; follow Him through all!

St. Luke vi. 22-26