Acts 14:22
They strengthened the spirits of the disciples and exhorted them to persevere in the faith, saying, “It is necessary for us to undergo many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.”

For the peaceable kingdom of God to start coming into being in the present there will be hardships. St. Paul endured a stoning and other persecutions before he was eventually put to death. Those working to dismantle unfair power structures will meet resistance from those holding the power. We are called to return love when we are persecuted…but not to back down. We are called to stand up for the poor and vulnerable, to stand for the dignity of each person, to work for the solidarity of one human family and to be good stewards of all God’s creation. This is carrying out several of the themes of Catholic Social Teaching. But put more simply…it’s following Jesus. Being Christian means more than going to church and believing doctrines. It means being Christ to the world.

Suggested song of the day—“You’ll Lead Me” on the Listen to Your Heart album.
All songs available on iTunes. Click on the link under blogroll to the right.
Have a blessed day!