“Jesus: True, My child, all that is painful. But there is no way to heaven except the way of the cross. I followed it first. You must learn that it is the shortest and surest way. Soul: Your response. Jesus: It is because you are not of this world that the world hates you. First it persecuted Me. Persecution is a sign that you are following in My footsteps faithfully” Divine Mercy in My Soul # 1487
Every man faces suffering and every Christian faces persecution. It’s just the way it is and has always been. Since the fall of our first parents, mankind has had to deal with suffering. All must suffer the loss of a loved one and all face death itself. So many must deal with the suffering of illness. It is important to view these suffering events through the eyes of faith. Without faith suffering is just painful. But, when the soul sees suffering through the eyes of Jesus, it becomes redemptive. And, when the soul views the suffering through the lens of eternity and faith, it takes on a whole new understanding and clarity.
Now as through many times in Church history, we face persecution in the eye. In many nations, being a Christian puts one’s life at risk. In other nations, life may not be at risk but the society surrounding us looks down upon our faith – especially as a Catholic. A true, practicing Catholic is judged and condemned for seeking and speaking the true Truth as opposed to society’s demanded truth. In the areas where persecution is highest, the Church is strongest and growing in most instances. How is this so? I think it is because when we must fight for what we want, we defend and attack to obtain it.
Look at the church of the Ukraine under Communist rule at the turn of the 20th century or in Poland under the thumb of the Soviet Union and Warsaw Pact. Underground, these churches grew, thrived and defended itself. The same as the years of the church under Rome’s rule. To follow Christ was outlawed and could result in death. Yet, the Church grew by leaps and bounds.
In suffering and persecution, the fighters come out. We stand boldly in faith. The truth which we fight for stands out in the muck and mire of the world and the seekers come forward.
Lord Jesus, help me to learn with my heart what I know with my head, that the cross is the only, shortest, and surest way to heaven. You led the way first. Give me the strength to follow.