Saved by the Bell

The phrase "saved by the bell" does not come from boxing, as most people think, but from seventeenth-century guards at Windsor Castle. any sentry caught asleep on duty incurred the death penalty. One this-accused sentry protested his innocence, stating that he had heard the bell in the clock tower of St. Paul's Cathedral strike thirteen times at midnight. The tribunal doubted him, until witnesses attested taht in fact, on that evening the defective clock had rolled not twelve but thirteen times. Thus he was "saved by the bell."

Being suspect or falsely accused is an experience that few escape in life. Old Testament luminaries like Job, Joseph, Moses, and David suffered from it. Even Jesus was not exception; neither was Mary (see Matthew 1:19). Stephen (see Acts 6:11) felt its sting, as did Paul and Silas (See Acts 16:20-21) and countless saints and martyrs, as well as the ancient prophets (See Matthew 5:12). "No servant is greather than his master," said Jesus. "If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also." (Jn 15-20).

Jesus proposed a triple challenge in facing false accusations: First, regard it as a blessing: Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say evil against you." Second, do not merely tolerate it, but rejoice in it, "because great is your reward in heaven" (see Matthew 5:132). Third - and here is the real hitch! - we must pray for our persecutors (seeMatthew 5:44), asking God to bless them (see Romans 12:14).A triple saint-making challenge!

This excerpt is from the book One-Minute Meditations for Busy People, by John H. Hampsch, C.M.F., originally published by Servant Publications. It and other of Fr. Hampsch's books and audio/video recordings can be purchased from Claretian Teaching Ministry, 20610 Manhattan Pl, #120, Torrance, CA 90501-1863. Phone 1-310-782-6408 or www.Catholicbooks.net