Grace in Persecution

With every news account of attacks upon Christians, whether in Egypt, Pakistan, or London, I wonder whether I would have the faith to follow Him to the cross. In today’s readings, He tells us not to resist an evil person, but to offer both cheeks when struck on one, our cloak as well if sued for our tunic, and two miles if pressed for one. (Mt 5:38-42) St. Paul writes of commendability in great trials, troubles, hardships, distresses, beatings, imprisonments, riots, hard work, sleepless nights, and hunger. He goes on to note that they are dying, yet alive and beaten, yet not killed. (2 Cor 6:3-10)

I am blessed to live in a community that is overwhelmingly Catholic. I pray that persecution never comes to us here, but that if it does, may He grant me the grace to accept it in a Christian manner. Unless, of course, He prefers at that time a more Maccabean response.