Resist

His disciples said, “Ah, now you are speaking plainly and not using figurative speech! Now we know that you know all things and do not need anyone to question you; this is why we believe that you came from God.” Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe?  Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me.  I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. (John 16: 29-33)

Without the indispensable help of God's Grace, we cannot resist the mockery, marginalization and persecution that are always possible in the life of a disciple of Christ. Without this gift and without believing in Jesus, we are, therefore, destined to be scattered. With the help of God’s Grace, may we be eager to have the courage to overcome all forms of persecution - great or small-  which we suffer because of our faith.