Good to be Persecuted: Daily Mass Homily--Saturday, May 4th, 2013

            One of the ways we can be assured of Christ’s presence in the Church today is by the fact we are persecuted.  It isn’t a secret that secular media, politicians and our society can be critical of our faith.  This suggests we are following Christ and he gives us confidence in this regard: “‘No slave is greater than his master.’  If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you.  If they kept my word, they will also keep yours.” 

            At times we can be whiners when we face societal pressures to bend or break from our beliefs.  Many complain that we are treated unfairly and that other denominations of Christianity or religions do not face the scrutiny we do.  Here we must quit whining and remember, “If the world hates you, realize that it hated me first.  If you belonged to the world, the world would love its own; but because you do not belong to the world, and I have chosen you out of the world, the world hates you.”  In a sense it is good that we are persecuted, because that means we are being faithful to Jesus.

            We pray that we may have the grace to be strong in our faith in the midst of persecution.  It is our job to continue showing society a different way to live.  Keep following Christ, even when persecution comes.