Reflect today how you experience persecution in your life

“They will expel you from the synagogues; in fact, the hour will come when all those who kill you will think that he is offering adoration to God. They will do it because they have not known the Father or me. I told you so that when their time comes, you remember I told you. "John 16: 2–4

Most likely, while the disciples listened to Jesus they told them that they would be expelled from the synagogues and even killed, he went from one ear to the other. Sure, it might have bothered them a bit, but most likely they went through pretty fast without worrying too much. But that's why Jesus said, "I told you so that when their time comes, you remember I told you." And you can be sure that when the disciples were persecuted by the scribes and Pharisees, they remembered these words of Jesus.

It must have been a heavy cross for them to receive such persecution from their religious leaders. Here, the people who were supposed to point them out to God were causing havoc in their lives. They would have been tempted to despair and lose their faith. But Jesus anticipated this heavy trial and, for this reason, warned them that he would come.

But what is interesting is what Jesus did not say. He did not tell them that they should react, start a riot, form a revolution, etc. Rather, if you read the context of this statement, we see Jesus tell them that the Holy Spirit will take care of all things, lead them and allow them to testify to Jesus. Testifying of Jesus is being His testimony. And being a witness of Jesus is being a martyr. Therefore, Jesus prepared His disciples for their heavy cross of persecution by religious leaders by letting them know that they would be strengthened by the Holy Spirit to bear witness and testimony to him. And once this began, the disciples began to remember everything that Jesus had told them.

You too must understand that being a Christian means persecution. Today we see this persecution in our world through various terrorist attacks against Christians. Some also see him, sometimes, within the "domestic Church", the family, when they experience ridicule and harsh treatment to try to live their faith. And unfortunately, it is even found within the Church itself when we see fighting, anger, disagreement and judgment.

The key is the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit plays a significant role right now in our world. That role is to strengthen us in our testimony to Christ and to ignore whatever way the wicked would attack. So if you feel the pressure of persecution in some way, realize that Jesus spoke these words not only for His first disciples, but also for you.

Reflect today on any way you experience persecution in your life. Allow it to become an opportunity for hope and trust in the Lord through the outpouring of the Holy Ghost. He will never leave your side if you trust him.

Lord, when I feel the weight of the world or of persecution, give me peace of mind and heart. Help me to strengthen myself with the Holy Spirit so that I can testify to you joyfully. Jesus I believe in you.