looking out the window . . .

We spend most of our time outside of the church building where we imitate the way and manner of Jesus . . . and the comment from Luke's people that ". . . 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" (Luke 21:12).
 
Matthew's people note, ". . . and you will be led before governors and kings for my sake as a witness before them and the pagans.  When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say." (Matt 10:18)
 
Persecution, opposition, injustice is an opportunity?  How can this be?  Saint Paul writes from his friendship with the Risen Christ Jesus that nothing can separate us from God.  It is then in this security that persecution, opposition are opportunities to give witness to Jesus, the Son of God.  But, there is the question from day one.  Are we willing to accept Luke's witness that the Risen Christ Jesus will ". . . give you words and wisdom that none of your opponents will be to contradict?” (Luke 21:14-15), or St Paul's comment that the Risen Christ Jesus ". . . will give you words (literally in the Greek, “I will give you a mouth”).  (2 Cor 4:13).  We have something to say because God speaks.