In the Gospel, Jesus reminds us that there will be persecution on account of our faith, but nothing will happen to our soul. In fact, not a hair of our head will perish; that by our endurance, we will gain our lives. The author of the book of Sirach tells us: “My Child, if you aspire to serve the Lord, prepare yourself for an ordeal.” (Sirach 2:1). The gospel of Christ is like a contradiction to many because of its core values. Many are uncomfortable with Christ’s teaching especially on love, unity and peace. Some persons have labeled Christianity as a weak religion because it preaches love for one’s enemies and prayer for those who persecute us. Others deal with Christians maliciously because they are seen as weak and not able to fight back in a violent way. We must endure all these intimidations and persecutions for the sake of Christ. Let us follow the injunctions of St Paul who says: “Never be tired of doing good or what is right” (2 Thess. 3:13).

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, help me to be a good ambassador of my faith and not to allow the mockery and taunt of others to make me lose the core values of my faith. Amen