FLEEING FROM TOWN TO TOWN
In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus instructs His disciples, “When they persecute you in one town, flee to another” (Mt 10:23). This directive is not merely about seeking safety but embodies a strategic approach to missionary work. The wisdom behind this instruction lies in the effective use of resources and the broader mission of spreading the Gospel. Facing martyrdom should have a significant purpose; otherwise, it results in the unnecessary loss of valuable missionaries who could continue their work elsewhere.
Jesus’ Example of Strategic Movement
Throughout His ministry, Jesus exemplified this principle by moving from one location to another based on the receptivity of the people. In Nazareth, where He faced rejection, “He did not work many mighty deeds there because of their lack of faith” (Mt 13:58). Similarly, after healing the Gerasene demoniac, the fearful population asked Him to leave, and He complied (Lk 8:37). When a Samaritan village did not welcome Him because He was heading to Jerusalem, Jesus simply moved on to another village (Lk 9:51-56). These instances highlight that preaching to those with closed minds is often fruitless, and it is wiser to seek more receptive audiences.
The Apostolic Mission
Jesus extended this approach to His disciples, urging them to be “shrewd as serpents and simple as doves” (Mt 10:16). The early Church adopted this strategy, as seen in the Acts of the Apostles. When persecution arose in Jerusalem, the disciples scattered, spreading the Gospel to new regions (Acts 8:1-4). This dispersion led to the establishment of Christian communities far beyond Jerusalem, demonstrating the effectiveness of Jesus’ instruction.
Catholic Teachings on Persecution and Mission
The Catholic Church teaches that persecution and suffering are part of the Christian journey, but they must be faced with prudence and wisdom. The Catechism of the Catholic Church emphasizes the importance of discernment in the face of danger, encouraging believers to avoid unnecessary risks that do not serve the greater good of the mission (CCC 1806).
Moreover, the Church’s stance on migration and refugees, as articulated by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), underscores the need to protect those fleeing persecution. This aligns with the broader biblical principle of seeking refuge and continuing the mission in safer environments (USCCB, 2011).
REFLECTION
For contemporary Christians, the message is clear: while we are called to bear witness to our faith, we must do so with discernment and strategic wisdom. Persecution should not deter us but rather redirect our efforts to more fruitful grounds. This approach ensures the continued spread of the Gospel and the preservation of those who carry it.
In our daily lives, this might mean standing firm in our faith while also knowing when to move on from unproductive or hostile environments. It calls for a balance between courage and prudence, always with the ultimate goal of advancing God’s Kingdom.
By following Jesus’ example and His teachings, we can navigate the challenges of our mission with wisdom, ensuring that our efforts bear the most fruit for the glory of God.