The Lord opened her heart to pay attention

Today’s readings remind us of the pluses and minuses we face in sharing our faith with others.

In the Gospel (John 15:26-16:4a), our Lord warns of extreme, even deadly opposition.

In fact, the hour is coming
when everyone who kills you
will think he is offering worship to God.

They will do this
because they have not known
either the Father or me.

I have told you this
so that when their hour comes
you may remember that I told you.

This persecution of Christians comes not only from practitioners of other religions but also from those for whom man is god and who mistakenly think that humanity can flourish only if everyone thinks God is dead (the truth is that God not only exists, of course, but that he opens humanity’s horizons to infinity).

But no matter what persecution or opposition we may face, the Lord promises to be with us.

We also hear this in today’s first reading (Acts 16:11-15), when the Lord opens someone’s heart to what Saint Paul is saying, converts wholeheartedly to the Lord, and gives support to the ministry.

We may have opposition, but we also have all-powerful resources.

May we be faithful to Christ in what we say and do, no matter what.