Living in Love with God

“You will be hated by all because of my name” (Mt. 10:22)

These are hardly encouraging words. However, they are words that the apostles and any of us who have been baptized need to hear.  Being a Christian disciple is not easy.  Not only does it involve the great work of continuing conversion of our hearts and minds, detaching ourselves from the ways of the world and worldly things, it attracts criticism and even persecution. No one wants to be a target for criticism. Our tendency is to make peace at all costs. Often this comes in remaining silent in the face of criticism or changing the subject. There are times that silence is an appropriate response, but not as a means of hiding or running from criticism. 

This is why the Lord gifted us with the Eucharist and the Church. We are supported by our fellow members of the Body of Christ by their prayers, love and helping us to grow in our relationship with the Lord.  In addition, our reception of the Eucharist gives us the interior strength we need to persevere through all challenges as it draws us into the Divine life.