Many of us have experienced hatred or persecution because of our faith. I know I personally have had strained relationships with family members because of the faith, friends who cut ties because I wasn’t Catholic in the way they wanted me to be, and people who decided they wouldn’t interact with me because of what they perceived Catholics were like.

It can be absolutely infuriating, discouraging, and can unfortunately lead to thought processes that make us feel dejected: “something must be wrong with me if people have this much of an issue with me.”

Nothing is wrong with us, but rather people choose to reject the Lord. In fact, in today’s Gospel, Jesus tells us this can be expected. Jesus doesn’t leave us with a simple “yep, you’re going to be persecuted, have fun!” rather, he tells us that “not a hair on your head will be destroyed. By your perseverance you will secure your lives.” Whatever happens to us in this life is not the end – even if we are hated or even killed for the faith.

Persevering in the faith despite persecutions and hatred help us to secure our place in heaven. Be courageous in the midst of fear and persecution and keep your faith strong.

Can I take solace in the fact Jesus is with me as I experience hatred and persecution?

Lord, please help me to remain steadfast in my faith even in the midst of persecution and to keep my eyes focused on you as I move through this life. Amen.