An honor to suffer

First Reading: Psalm: Gospel:

Acts 16:1-10 Psalm 100:1-3, 5 John 15:18-21

John 15:19 If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.

Sometimes I think that the world is just going nuts.  I don't understand how people can have the views and do the things they do. How can someone be pro abortion for example?

We can take comfort in the words of Jesus.  We are not of this world.  That should be a good thing.  Paul considered it an honor to suffer for the Lord.  We should too.  Not because suffering is necessarily honorable, but because what caused our suffering is our relationship with Jesus.

Father, help me by your Holy Spirit to stay with you no matter what.  If I suffer or am persecuted, let me trust in you that you have been there before me and that you go before me to make a way.  Help me to consider it an honor to suffer on your account.

Amen