St. Jerome said, “you are deceived if you think that a Christian can live without persecution. He suffers the greatest persecution of all who lives under none.”
St. Jerome is a 5th century saint who understood so well the paths a Christian must walk to be purified and lead others.
When life gets hot, many souls run from the heat and pain. These souls risk never becoming what God plans through the fire. Like popcorn on a hot stove, a soul under heat is transformed. Popcorn starts as a small, hard kernel. It takes the right amount of heat to transform it into one of my favorite snacks. Transformed by the heat, the hard kernel bursts open, literally jumping to life as it blooms dozens of times its size. Transforming from a hard, pebble-like object into something soft and tasty.
When the right heat, in the form of suffering and persecution is applied to a soul, it too springs to life, jumping like John in Elizabeth’s womb. The hardened soul is transformed into something much greater than it ever was before. God is the Master, He knows exactly how much heat and shaking a soul must endure to become what it can be.
Pop popcorn in an office and see if people all over the floor don’t lift their head to sniff and maybe even look to see the source of the aroma. God knows as these souls spring to life, they make a fragrant scent, rising through the air around them. All around them, catch the aroma and raise their heads from their drudgery to look. Even more so, as these souls are transformed, their “explosion” makes a loud noise that rings for all those near to hear.
I know this is a strange analogy, but, think about it. Have you ever met someone severely ill with cancer who’s faith rings loudly for all to see? I have, see my recent reflection “Faith” for more. Also, read my book, “I knew His Voice” to see how this heat transformed me into the man I’m becoming.
Persecution takes this heat to a whole new level of opportunity and growth. In times of persecution, the church has grown bigger and faster than any other time in history. A soul suffering persecution rings with the song of a martyr. Merriam-Webster defines a martyr as “a person who sacrifices something of great value and especially life itself for the sake of faith and religion.” I’ve heard and read stories of these souls who, through their sacrifice, gave strength and faith for others to rise from the darkness to walk in the light of God.
One does not need to die for their faith to shine this light. One must be willing to suffer persecution and take up their cross. One must be willing to stand in the fire, to be transformed. A kernel of popcorn seldom explodes alone. As one ‘pops’ to transforming life, others follow. And, soon, a cacophony of exploding kernels rise in a loud chorus and pleasing aroma.
A Christian knows persecution will come. We don’t need to run after it, it will come to us in time. And, when that time comes, accept it as the chalice from the hand of the Father pressed against our lips. Until then, be a voice calling out into the wilderness calling people to repent of their sins.
It is time for Christians to be like the kernel of popcorn. Time to stand within the heat of suffering and persecution, to be transformed and change the face of the earth.
Souls are at stake!
“Even if a hailstorm of persecutions covers me; even if my friends forsake me, even if all things conspire against me, and the horizon grows dark; even if a raging storm breaks out, and I feel I am quite alone and must brave it all; still, fully at peace, I will trust in Your mercy, O my God, and my hope will not be disappointed.” Divine Mercy in my soul # 1195