What does it mean to be a Christian, to be persecuted? Paul often refers to the persecution that resulted from his evangelization. In Romans, he writes:

What will separate us from the love of Christ? Will anguish, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or the sword? As it is written: “For your sake we are being slain all the day; we are looked upon as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we conquer overwhelmingly through him who loved us. (Rom 8:35-37)

We accept our Christianity mostly, we accept that we should be kind and merciful, generous with those in need. But when it comes to loving our enemies or being courageous and patient in the face of persecution, we hesitate. We often back down and get in line with the social norms.

The verse that calls us to recognize and accept that we should expect to be "as sheep to be slaughtered" draws a line that is often too difficult. Perhaps we are

satisfied to mosey along, be a good person, keep our faith to ourselves.

Only a deeply personal relationship with God, with Jesus, with Mary, with the saints, can help us understand how relevant the freedom that Jesus preached about is in today's world. Attentiveness to the Word of God can help us see the opportunities and find the courage to share our faith with others. A deeper understanding of our faith will compel us to be active evangelizers who truly desire to share the sense of freedom and joy we have in Christ rather than allowing ourselves to rest in a false sense of peace.

We must pray daily and deeply to prepare for whatever comes our way, pray for courage, pray for wisdom, avail ourselves of the sacraments, get as close to Jesus as we can so that we can walk in confidence like Paul!