Jesus: “They will hate you…but don’t be afraid.”

A Pakistani mob of muslims persecute Christians in 2013.

The Gospel from today’s Mass (John 15:18-21) recount Jesus’ prophesy that faithful Christians would persecuted:

[18] “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you [19] If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.  [20] Remember the word that I said to you, `A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you; if they kept my word, they will keep yours also.  [21] But all this they will do to you on my account, because they do not know him who sent me.”

Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God, is Truth.  As Truth, Jesus Christ knows all things across time, for He is eternal.  Consider:

• Christ’s words are fulfilled beginning immediately after His own Crucifixion; every one of the Apostles except John will be martyred.
• In the following centuries, Christians will be burned to death, used as human torches and torn apart by wild beasts.
• Today, wild beasts still attack Christians (see the picture above).

Persecution is occurring in less violent ways in the United States, even today.  And many are convinced that the persecution will intensify.

But the Lord of Truth assures us that we too must stand up when persecuted, for “A servant is not greater than his master.”

Pray for those in our country who hate Jesus Christ.  Pray for the poor souls in the picture above, that they might find Jesus Christ and love Him.

Each will meet Jesus Christ in judgment.  And woe to those who persecuted Christians.