We are not alone

It is often said that we are living in a post-Christian age.

Every year it seems more and more acceptable (if not required) in our modern society to criticize, marginalize and ridicule people who take their Christian faith seriously.

Being a Christian can sometimes seem very lonely.

Today's first reading (1 Peter 5:5-14) reminds us that our situation is not unique: it is not unique to our corner of the world nor is it unique to our time in history.

We are not alone.

The words of St. Peter ring out in every time and place:

Be sober, be vigilant;
because your adversary the devil,
as a roaring lion, walketh about,
seeking whom he may devour:
Whom resist
stedfast in the faith,
knowing that the same afflictions
are accomplished in your brethren
that are in the world.

We are not alone: we are one with the rest of the body of Christ - suffering throughout the world (often far more brutally than we) - and as we share in the sufferings of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, so shall we share in his consolation and in his victory.

We are not alone – we are one in Christ.

Christus vincit
Christus regnat
Christus imperat

Christ conquers
Christ reigns
Christ commands