P R A Y I N G W I T H T H E C H U R C H
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INTENTION : |
That those persecuted for the sake of faith and justice may experience the consolation and strength of the Holy Spirit.
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This Biblical text, "Happy those who are persecuted in the cause of uprightness ..." brings together the entire history of the People of God in its prophetic nature and its consequences. This eighth Beatitude of the Sermon develops the notion of justice that embraces all the dimensions of a human person. It applies to all those who suffer for the sake of justice and their faith in God.
The sad reality of our world today is that in countries where corruption reigns, many people are persecuted because they are honest and their honesty is disturbing to others. The common denominator of all those who are persecuted for the sake of justice or for the sake of Jesus is the prophetic nature or message of their lives. They bear witness to spiritual and supernatural values which make them "a living reproach" to those who do not want these values.
As the disciples were persecuted because of Jesus so will the same fate befall on those who believe in Jesus today: because of me. The Acts of the Apostles, the history of the early and modern day Church is replete with extraordinary examples of martyrs who suffered gladly and joyfully every form of torture known to man. One may ask, "Where did this strength and joy come from?" The promise of Christ that "the Spirit of your Father will be speaking in you"..."when you are dragged before governors and kings ..." (Mt. 10:16-20) is their source.
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