Pills of Faith February 8 "John the Baptist, martyr for the truth"

"The sufferings of the present moment are not comparable to the future glory that will have to be revealed in us" (Rom 8,18:XNUMX). Who would not do everything to obtain such glory by becoming a friend of God, to rejoice as soon as possible in the company of Jesus and receive the divine reward after the pains and torments of this earth?

It is a glory for the soldiers of this world to return triumphantly to their homeland, after the victory over their enemies. But isn't it a greater glory to have overcome the devil and return triumphantly to that paradise from which Adam had been expelled because of his sin? And, after defeating the one who had deceived him, bring back the trophy of victory? To offer God as a magnificent booty an integral faith, an impeccable spiritual courage, a commendable dedication? ... Become a co-heir of Christ, equal to angels, happily rejoice in the heavenly kingdom with patriarchs, apostles, prophets? What persecution can overcome such thoughts, which can help us overcome torture? ...

The earth closes us in prison with persecutions, but the sky remains open…. What honor, what certainty to leave here in joy, triumphing in the midst of torments and trials! Half-close the eyes that men and the world saw, and immediately reopen them on the glory of God and Christ! ... If persecution hits a soldier so prepared, he will not be able to defeat his courage. And even if we are called to heaven before the fight, such a prepared faith will not remain unrewarded. ... In persecution, God rewards his soldiers; in peace rewards good conscience.