In reading today’s Gospel I immediately thought about the Christians in Syria and Iraq who are being persecuted for their faith. Hundreds of Christians have been killed and thousands have had to leave their homeland and find refuge in a foreign land.
As Americans suspect that we don’t think very often about being persecuted for our faith. We seldom hear of anyone threatened with physical harm because of their faith. But I wonder if there is a more subtle way our faith is challenged. I wonder about our society’s fascination with sports and entertainment and the lifestyles they promote. Or the advances in technology that seemed to have created a need and a dependence in our lives.
No, we are not persecuted for our faith, but we do face daily challenges to live an authentic Christian life. Jesus reminds us to persevere.
What are the challenges to your faith in being a Christian today?
—Margaret Horner earned a Master of Pastoral Studies degree from St. Francis de Sales Seminary. She currently serves as the Director of Liturgy at Gesu Parish, Milwaukee, WI.