Persecution

"Christ said: In this world you will suffer persecution, but in such wise that the persecution will not overwhelm, and the attack will not overcome you. Against Christ’s army the world arrays a twofold battleline. It offers temptation to lead us astray; it strikes terror into us to break our spirit. Hence if our personal pleasures do not hold us captive, and if we are not frightened by brutality, then the world is overcome. At both of these approaches Christ rushes to our aid, and the Christian is not conquered. If you were to consider in Vincent’s martyrdom only human endurance, then his act is unbelievable from the outset. But first recognize the power to be from God, and he ceases to be a source of wonder." —St. Augustine, Liturgy of the Hours, Vol. 3, p. 1316

Those who say "tolerance" are quickly becoming the least tolerant of all. Often intolerance is a front for heavier things, such as disdain, scorn or even malevolence. Think upon how such things can explode into persecution and how often this has occurred in the past. We must hope for the best, yet prepare for the worst. For myself and my family, I pray for the grace of a strong faith, and perserverance unto death. Amen+

A chilling tile mosiac depicting the Christian persecution under the Roman rule of Nero.