"It is necessary for us to undergo many hardships to enter the kingdom of God." Acts 14:22b
We would all agree with that phrase, right? We say we are on board with hardships, but when the pressure is on, how quickly do we run from suffering, conflict or rejection? We just don't like it. We don't want the discomfort, but wow. God sure does enter in and get the glory when we are broken.
We have a beautiful example of that in today's saint, St. Christopher Magallanes who, along with 21 other priests and three lay companions, were martyred between 1915 and 1937, by shooting or hanging, throughout eight Mexican states, for their membership in the Cristero movement. His final words from his cell were, "I forgive with all my heart those responsible for my death, and I ask God that the shedding of my blood serve the peace of our divided Mexico."
Are you in the midst of a hardship right now where God's love is waiting to be revealed?
Lord, help me to not run from difficulty, but to have the courage to face whatever I encounter. St. Christopher Magallanes, pray for us.
