Are you ready to take up the challenge and live out your faith boldly?

 


Saint Philip Neri, Priest 


Acts 16:11-15

Psalm 149:1-6,9

John 15:26-16:4




In today's gospel, Jesus delivers a striking warning to his disciples: “Indeed, the hour is coming when anyone who kills you thinks he is doing a holy duty for God.” This call echoes through the ages, reminding us that the persecution of Christians is not just a distant memory—it's a reality that has shaped lives across every culture and era! 



Today, we find ourselves amid a world increasingly hostile toward Christianity, where embracing our faith requires not just commitment, but fierce endurance. The journey of following Jesus is anything but easy; it demands courageous sacrifice at every turn. Bringing the message of Christ to others may even lead to the ultimate test of faith: persecution and, for some, martyrdom. 





Fleeing from suffering or evading persecution is a mere illusion; true strength lies in embracing the call to stand firm in our beliefs, no matter the cost. Are you ready to take up the challenge and live out your faith boldly? The adventure awaits!





In the garden at Gethsemane, Jesus Christ shows us how to immerse our sufferings and pains into the hands of God through prayer. Through prayer, we can listen to God and do his will. Through prayers, we can move mountains and fill the valleys. Through prayers, we also become like Christ. Let us seek courage and strength to endure from the Holy Spirit so that we can remain the true witness of the paschal mystery of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.



St. Philip Neri-pray for us. Amen. 



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