Today we meditate upon John 16. Rest in the arms of the Holy Spirit, Who is promised and spoken of in this chapter.
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2016&version=NRSVCE
“I have said this to you, so that in me you may have peace. In the world you face persecution. But take courage; I have conquered the world!” John 16:33
This is the sign of our times. The end times? Maybe. Certainly soon. Very soon. ‘Soon’ – an interesting word.
We are persecuted for being Catholic. This isn’t new news not news isolated to our days. Catholics have been persecuted throughout time, since Jesus said these words in warning and preparation. Catholics are persecuted by the secular world, governments and even other Christians. We bear the hatred of our beliefs.
We stand for two genders, marriage between one man and one woman, life from conception to natural death. We stand in defense of the Eucharist, our life giving feast. We stand behind two thousand years of Church fathers with brothers and sisters, saints strong and bright. We stand with the angels and all creation in declaration of God’s glory and mercy.
I look at this and what Jesus said to Matthew and wonder, is ‘soon’ coming soon?
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Matthew 5:10-12
What stood out to you?