Thursday, June 18, 2026

Matthew 10:32-33  

Jesus taught: “Everyone, therefore, who acknowledges me before others, I also will acknowledge before my Father in heaven, but whoever denies me before others, I also will deny before my Father in heaven.” 

Surviving persecution is difficult. It means clinging on to a belief even when it could cost you your life. 

Sometimes we can be persecuted for what we say. Cassie Bernall lost her life in the Columbine massacre when she answered “Yes” to the question, “Are you a Christian?” 

Sometimes we can be persecuted for what we do. Irene Sendler was a polish social worker who smuggled over 2,500 children out of the Warsaw ghetto by pretending to work for the government. She was captured and tortured and barely escaped execution. 

An interesting question was once posed to me: If you were accused of Christianity, would there be enough evidence to convict you? 

Whoa. Think about that. Jesus came to this world to share God’s love, forgiveness, and eternal life. Do I share that with others in my day-to-day life? We of course know that we are saved by grace! Are we in turn sharing that grace with those around us?? 

– Pr. Elizabeth

God, thank you for loving me, forgiving me, and making a place for me in heaven! Help me find someone who needs the good news of your LOVE today—and make me bold enough to share it! Amen