"In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens opened and the Spirit descending upon him like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, 'You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.'" (Mark 1:9-11)
"Also the storm of persecutions beats on Christians. They will not fear, for they see the heavens open above them" (St. Cyprian in the Office of Readings for Pope St. Callistus I)
A Christian is someone baptized into the baptism of Jesus Christ. The heavens have opened above her, the Spirit has descended upon her, and the Father proclaims her beloved in the Beloved.
From embracing this knowledge comes the courage to face all the persecutions that come from the world, the flesh, and the devil, from within or without.
2 comments:
So many Christians in the Middle East are suffering persecution and losing their lives because of their faith. Let us hold them in prayer. We do not know if such persecution will visit our shores, but I do fear such a thing. Let us pray that these persecutions will come to an end.
Homerun, fratello. :)
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