Every once in a while, we hear of persecution happening at certain places where the Christian community there is quite badly affected. Some of these communities end up losing their homes, their property and even their lives. Some are given a choice by their aggressors, to convert or die. We have seen many of these Christian communities fleeing from such persecution. Some are even willing to die rather than trying to save their skin and convert. Fortunately for many of us, we are spared from such a situation at the moment.
But what if one day, we too are faced with such a choice: to convert or die? What would our response be? Would we be willing to remain steadfast in our faith and face death, or would we so easily give up our faith just to preserve our lives? In today's Gospel, Jesus has warned us of the persecutions to come: "I have told you all this that your faith may not be shaken. They will expel you from the synagogues, and indeed the hour is coming when anyone who kills you will think he is doing a holy duty for God. They will do these things because they have never known either the Father or myself." Are we ready and prepared to face such persecutions, knowing that our reward is far more valuable and precious than anything this life could ever offer? Or are we going to allow ourselves to fall away just to save our lives, only to lose it later?
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