Loved by all?

““Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.” Matthew 5:11

In today’s society, it is easy to see how Catholics are singled out and persecuted for our faith. Our government leaders, up to the president, and idolized stars stand against the Catholic faith, against pro-life and for abortion even up to the moment of birth. They shutdown religious worship in churches stating practicing faith isn’t necessary while liquor and marijuana stores remain open because they “don’t want to take away their comfort.”

I’m sure we could all highlight many instance of the world standing in opposition to our faith. The whole goal of Marxism is ultimately tied up in ‘destroying’ God, removing Him from society.

The world, leaders and ‘idols’ alike, all profess that you need to follow the world to be loved. One needs a big car, big salary, powerful job and more, all the worldly joys to be loved. One needs to conform to the worldly ideals to obtain these trophies and most of all, to be accepted.

And, as we are seeing more and more, when we profess our Christian Catholic faith and values, we are oppressed and condemned. We see ‘devout Catholics’ who know better what the faith is, denouncing and ridiculing us for what we believe. Remember when Obama said freedom of religion applies within the 4 walls of the church on Sunday but not beyond? Recently, Pelosi said she “is ashamed as a devout Catholic that people would stand against democracy by being pro-life.”

As Catholics in the world, we pray that God will show His grace to change hearts and fix our society. When we see it getting worse and worse, it is hard to maintain hope. Praying this morning, God put it on my heart that I am just praying for things to be easy.

Jesus didn’t say things would be easy. Matthew 16:24 quotes the Lord, ““If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” So strongly is this, that Jesus even closed the Beatitudes out speaking about persecution. “…when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.”

But, the persecution is not for nothing. Nor, is this something that we should suffer about.

“Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so men persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Matthew 5:11

When you are persecuted and rejected because of your faith, how will you react? Will you become silent and meekly “take your place”? Or, will you become a lion and loudly roar out your beliefs? Will you suffer in persecution or ‘rejoice and be glad’ because wicked men hate and persecute you for the Name of Jesus?