For the Sake of the Kingdom

April 5, 2023 | Emma Ventresca, BF ‘26

image description: man overlooking hillside

Psalm 69:8-10

For your sake I bear insult,

and shame covers my face.

I have become an outcast to my brothers,

a stranger to my mother's sons,

because zeal for your house consumes me,

and the insults of those who blaspheme you fall upon me.

To put it concisely, living a Christian life is difficult. It requires courage, strength, and complete surrender. Sometimes, we fall away from authentic Christian living due to the stifling pressures and anxieties of the world. But when we truly say fiat, “let it be done,” the love of Christ acts as our shield.

We must be willing to give up anything for Christ. In Psalm 69, we are called to bear suffering and shame for the sake of our Lord. In many of our social environments, there will be a time when each of us has to make a decision. We can remain silent for fear of repercussions, or we can represent the stance of our Christian faith. In the face of mistruths or scorn, we may feel called to take a stand for our beliefs–even if it makes us uncomfortable or embarrassed. If others have inaccurate ideas or ask questions about our faith, this is our chance to patiently and respectfully correct misconceptions. These are just some of the daily trials, both big and small depending on the situation, that we may undergo for the sake of our Lord.

This does not, however, mean that we seek out hardship in our relationships with others. Rather, when we are put in situations that need the love of Christ, we do our best to share the Gospel message through our words and actions. During my first week at Yale, I overheard two friends misrepresenting Christian beliefs as they spoke with one another. Gently and humbly, I began conversing with them and they soon realized that their beliefs about Christians were misconceptions. At first, they were taken aback that someone had challenged their viewpoint. As I began to explain my thoughts, they asked questions openly. Even though the two may not have changed their personal beliefs on certain issues, I was able to shed light on true Christian stances. This served as a powerful God-given opportunity that pushed me out of my comfort zone and drew me closer to Christ and His Word. I did not go around looking to correct my peers on matters of faith when I arrived on campus; rather, when provided with the opportunity to do so, I accepted the invitation from God to defend and deepen my faith.

Another radical claim is set forth in Psalm 69:9:

I have become an outcast to my brothers,

a stranger to my mother's sons.

Families are thought of as havens of our faith and places of unity. However, this verse shows a striking resemblance to Jesus’ bold statement in Matthew 10:35 that He has “come to set man against his father, and a daughter against her mother.” Our faith, despite our best intentions for it to reflect love, can be polarizing to those even as close to us as our best friends and parents. This oftentimes unintended polarization comes from the idea that we, as Christians, are a people “set apart.” For instance, when we set out on a path of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving—as we have done this Lent—we are taking risks to follow Christ. These risks may be giving up material possessions, status in society, or gratification. This is countercultural in a world that values money, fame, and power. Many individuals would take great risks for those payoffs. But as Christians, we are setting the world behind for a heavenly kingdom, and this may not make sense to even our closest friends. Our radical trust in God and vastly different views of the world can put some distance between us and those of different beliefs. But this does not mean that we should give up on having meaningful discussions and loving relationships with them.

On Spy Wednesday, Judas betrays Jesus—his own teacher and Savior—for thirty pieces of silver. Every time we refuse to stand up for God or try to fit into society’s message of moral relativism, we walk away from Jesus for the things of the world. This could come in the form of attending parties, concerts, protests, or other events to align ourselves with popular opinion rather than with our faith. Each of these choices results in us filling our time to please others or increase our own social status. In reality, we should be spending our time on activities that draw us closer to God and our loved ones. When we reflect Christ’s love in our relationships, our testimony and actions console the heart of our Lord crucified. Even though we face temporary suffering when we let go of some of the pleasures of the world, we live in the brilliant hope of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

We must hold fast to the knowledge that Christ desires our hearts fully and will help us bring others to Him in His own time. No matter the circumstances, we must remember that “zeal for [His] house” is what gives us the strength to bear sufferings and social ostracization. We will not be disappointed if we hope in Christ. He is the firm foundation of our lives, our rock, and our strength. As we approach the Triduum, let us pray that the love of Christ overshadows us and gives us hearts turned toward His Will. Let us be attentive to the opportunities that God provides us to lead others to Him.

O God, help us bear whatever sufferings or difficult conversations come our way as we prepare our hearts for the Resurrection of your Son—our ultimate hope.

This piece is a part of a series for Lent 2023. Read more at https://www.yalelogos.com/lent2023