I can’t imagine the need to live in exile for fear of safety. Similarly, do you ever think about the first Christians? I’m talking about the men and women who had to literally risk their lives for their faith. I remember trying NOT to think about that when I was a kid. It is terrible to imagine what it would be like to live in those times. Occasionally, I still say a prayer of thanksgiving that I was born in the 20th century, so I don’t have to such violent opposition to our faith.
Now I hear stories of similar persecution of Christians in some parts of the world, often sending them into exile, even today. I miss my naive view of the world that allowed me to believe that kind of thing doesn’t happen anymore. I still pray in thanksgiving that at least I don’t live in a part of the world where I am likely to face such a test. It is almost incomprehensible to imagine the fear that our brave Christian brothers and sisters must feel everyday.
I also can’t wrap my brain around that moment when a family has to make the decision to leave their homeland in search of a safer place to live. That is what Kateri had to do. How did she find the strength to leave her village in the dark of night and travel so far in search of religious freedom?
Do you think you could do it? I often worry that I would not be brave enough. Would I just pretend to denounce my faith in an effort to save myself? I’d like to believe that I would be stronger than St. Peter in the courtyard, but I’m not sure.
For now, I continue to thank God that we have the freedom to choose our religion. So far we can still practice our faith, most of the time. Thinking about Kateri, and now thinking about our brothers and sisters around the world, that freedom seems even more precious to me. Sure, we live in a culture that is increasingly more critical of Christianity, but we still have the ability to practice the faith without fear of death. Maybe the next time I have a chance to defend the faith, I should remember those who have to defend it with their lives. Maybe I should be a more vocal supporter of the faith.
Lord, thank you for giving us an opportunity to live and love in Your church. Help us to remember those who are persecuted in your name, and give us the courage to be Your servants in the world. Please comfort our brothers and sisters in exile, and let them soon find peace.