Be Courageous

“If the world hates you, realize that it hated me first.”  John 15: 18.

These words of Jesus are strong and right to the point. Jesus is telling us be prepared that if you proclaim Jesus is Lord of all and live the Christian message, some in the world will indeed persecute you. It is not exactly comforting words from Jesus. But Jesus proclaims “If you want to be my follower then pick-up your cross and follow me.” The world, the flesh and the devil are always trying to lure us to keep our faith to ourselves. Pray in Church but don’t burden me with the message of salvation. And wow to you if you share the Truth to our current culture, we will be persecuted and they will try to silence you anyway they can, even killing you.

When I have in the past, stood in silent prayer vigil in front of an abortion clinic, I have come to expect those driving by, to yell curse words. But occasionally you get a honk and ‘way to go’ wave from a driver. Once in a while, you get to share the truth with someone about the sanctify of life and offer that person other options.

When I am persecuted in this way, I pray all the more for the person who continues to live in darkness.

For most of us, we will probably not have to die for our faith. My pray is Lord if that is your will give me your strength to lay down my life for Jesus and His Holy Catholic Church.

Reflection question As, a parent or grandparent, do I share with my little ones that they too will have to stand up for what they believe? Can I bring them to stand in silent prayer vigil in front of an abortion clinic and share with them the precious gift of life? As parents and grandparents, let us prayer together as a family even if it only a short prayer or a decade of the Rosary daily.

Let Us Pray:

“Lord Jesus we can do nothing without your strength and grace. Jesus shower us with your grace upon our family to stand up for Your Truth even when it is not popular.