"Anyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus can expect to be persecuted" (2 Tm 3:12). The Lord has clearly revealed that we will be persecuted if we are trying to live the Christian life (see Mt 5:11). For us, being persecuted is not a possibility but a certainty. The Lord has sent us as sheep among wolves (Mt 10:16), and, no matter how clever and innocent we may be, we will be persecuted. We do not know whether we will be persecuted by religious groups, governments, our families, or all of the above (see Mt 10:17ff), but we will definitely be given the privilege of being persecuted if we faithfully follow Jesus.

Although persecution is certain, our faithfulness is uncertain. At the end of the world, the apostasy will become so bad (2 Thes 2:3) that we would all deny Christ if the Lord had not shortened the final days (Mk 13:20). We do not know whether we will stand up to persecution or fold under the pressure. All we know is that, if we are living for the Lord with all our hearts right now, we are doing the best we can to strengthen ourselves for even the most difficult future. Live in utter abandonment to God's will now. The future persecution will take care of itself (Mt 6:34).

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 24, 2018

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