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TODAY’S WORD…

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Jesus said,

“If the world hates you,

remember that it hated me before you.

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If you belonged to the world,

the world would love you as its own;

but because you do not belong to the world,

because my choice withdrew you from the world,

therefore the world hates you.”

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– John 15:18-19 (JB)

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REFLECTION…

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Christ is persecuted, till this very day!

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Even in countries with deep Christian roots,

an aggressive form of secularism is emerging

to the exclusion of God, religion and virtue from public life.

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Those seeking to stick to Christian principles

and who try to follow Jesus’ teaching,

are being increasingly rejected and often scoffed at and insulted.

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The Christian who follows Jesus

tries to live in a manner which appears to go contrary to what society is doing.

This is why, often, those of us who do not go with the flow

are being regarded with disdain.

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However, in spite of growing provocation,

we must gladly stand up and be counted.

We must never be ashamed of the Gospel, which is the wisdom and power of God.

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But we must also be loving and gentle in our response,

and to be so, we need to be strong…in our faith!

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QUOTE…

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“ The first commandment

requires us to nourish and protect our faith with prudence and vigilance,

and to reject everything that is opposed to it.”

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– Catechism of the Catholic Church. CCC 2088

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PRAYER…

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Jesus, I rejoice in Your friendship and Lordship forever!

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