More than anything in this life, I want to be loved. I want to be loved by my family and friends, and I want to be loved, above all, by God. For this reason, I think there has always been a part of me that has been a “people-pleaser,” and therefore, when I find out that someone isn’t pleased with me for any reason, there is a part of my heart that breaks. There’s a part of me that finds the thought of someone not liking me unbearable. Now I don’t think anyone particularly enjoys being hated or disliked, yet Jesus reminds us that it’s okay sometimes. Sometimes, being hated means we are actually doing something right.

If Jesus, the Son of God, was persecuted to the point of being crucified, what exempts us from undergoing similar persecutions? Now I certainly hope that none of us are actually crucified; however, we also know that Jesus tells us that in order to be His disciple, we must pick up our cross daily. The cross is not light, but the Lord has chosen us out of the world to have the privilege of carrying it alongside Him.

May we pray for those who hate us and persecute us because they are in need of love and conversion too. St. Paul, who we read about in today’s first reading, persecuted and killed hundreds of Christians before his conversion, and then by the Lord’s grace and mercy, he converted and brought many more people into the Church. Once we come to know Christ, everything changes. We can no longer hate; we can only love.

What are some ways you deal with persecution for your faith right now? How can you work to face it with more love?

What fears are holding you back from giving your heart and life more to Jesus?

How can you encourage those being persecuted for their faith?

"Come Holy Spirit."

"Jesus, I love You."

"Give me Your strength, Lord."

Be bold. Live your faith. Love people. People may push you away and some may even hate you, but meet everyone with love and most of all, live in God's love.