Firmness of Faith

The suggested prayers for Mass today, according to the Ordo, is for Persecuted Christians. The prayers speak beautifully of hope and eternal life in the midst of trial and tribulation. Jesus even brings this up in the gospel for today, Luke 21:12-19. The caption reads, "You will be hated by all because of my name, but not a hair on your head will be destroyed." Our Lord concludes that statement with, "By your perseverance you will secure your lives." Even the gospel acclamation expresses our hope, "Remain faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life." We may not experience persecution ourselves but we know that faithful disciples throughout the world are being persecuted for the faith. We even know that people are being martyred for the faith. In the midst of trial, tribulation, persecution, we cannot waver in our resolve to be firm in the faith. During this Year of Faith, we pray that our faith will be revitalized, reinvigorated, so that whatever comes down the road, we will be ready. May God Bless Us on Our Journey!!!!