Learn by Topic: Persecution

In the Gospel (John 15:26-16:4), Jesus accurately predicts the persecution of Christians:

[26] But when the Counselor comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness to me; [27] and you also are witnesses, because you have been with me from the beginning. [1]”I have said all this to you to keep you from falling away. [2] They will put you out of the synagogues; indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God.  [3] And they will do this because they have not known the Father, nor me.  [4] But I have said these things to you, that when their hour comes you may remember that I told you of them.

In a long history of persecution that began with Jesus, today there continues to be many places on earth where those who hate, kill Christians.  Western society, though not yet as violent, persecutes Christians through laws, the legal system (HHS Mandate that coerces Christians to support the infanticide of abortion), through unchecked perverted moral slander against the Church and attacks on our Bishops.

All of these sins are part of Christ’s prophesy, and we should not expect them to end.

Pray the words of Our Lord from His persecution on the Cross: “Father, forgive them for what they do.”

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.