Homily for the Memorial of St. Benedict, Abbot

In today's Gospel passage, Jesus is straightforward about the kind of reception we might face when sharing our faith. The response could be hostile, and this opposition may even come from our closest relationships. However, Jesus assures us that we will not face this rejection alone; the Holy Spirit will be there to provide guidance and support.

Contemporary society may be less hostile towards faith than it was during Jesus' time with the first disciples. Nevertheless, Gospel values are often rejected in today's culture, with some people perceiving these values as a threat, particularly to human freedom.

Just as it was during the time of the first disciples, we need the Holy Spirit to bear witness to the Lord and His mission today. The Holy Spirit serves as our source of inspiration, guiding us in our faith and strengthening our resolve. The Church's reliance on the Holy Spirit remains constant, and His inspiration is just as accessible to us now as it was in the early days of the Church.