The persecution of Christians is something that must seem strange to all Catholics who are trying to base their lives on the Gospel of Jesus. It seems not just to be a good life which threatens no one but, on the contrary, is the only way that can bring true meaning and happiness. Yet, from the time of Jesus Himself and His immediate followers right down to our own day, the Church has faced persecution in many forms. One of our proudest heritages is the long line of martyrs, those who were ready to forfeit their lives rather than compromise over what they believed to be the only possible way to live in harmony with God and his Creation. Their message is one of Truth, Love, Justice, Freedom and Peace. And yet, such a message is seen by those with a different life view as severely threatening. But, if the Truth is with us, we have nothing to fear because it must always in the end prevail. We do have to be careful, however, to distinguish between arbitrary persecution and valid criticism of our own failure to follow the Gospel.