How many of us would be martyrs? Would die for our faith? Easter is not too far behind us and I always think about this, especially when the passion of Christ is read on Palm Sunday or on Good Friday. I try to place myself in the position of the disciples, typically Peter. Would I deny Jesus as Peter did? I’d like the say a definite “no.” The truth is, however, we can’t really know unless we are in that position since we are frail as humans. At the same time, we are faced with many comparable situations in our daily life. Are we passive followers of Christ? Do we act out our faith with as much zeal as we profess it?

We live in a world that is quite arguably evil. At the least, we live in a tough world. Although there are many goods in this world, there are also many bad aspects. Many hate, are gluttonous, put worldly pleasures and pleasing ourselves on a higher pedestal than pleasing God and loving one another…the list is endless. It could and probably would be easier to succumb to the evils in the world. However, we do have the choice to grow closer to God; the obvious choice is to denounce evil.

No, it’s not easy living in a world where people criticize Christians (and some Christians even criticize “other” Christians). Jesus tells us that it’s not easy to live a good life in an evil world, but in the end, it is worth it. Yes, we will suffer criticism and rejection because of what we believe. Although that makes no sense to me, it’s the sad truth. He tells us that we will be thrown out. Some of us will be killed for our faith.

We will be persecuted. Jesus says that the persecutors do this because they have not known either the Father or me. If we witness to our faith—to the truth—we can create a great impact. Although it may not be obvious in the beginning, it can create a slowly growing seed, lessening the persecutions and opening others to God in time.

We must be advocates and witnesses to the truth. We need to put into practice what we believe. Everyday. Enthusiastically and passionately. May we not be lukewarm in our faith…may we be fervent good Samaritans. Additionally, may we realize that although the time in which Jesus walked this earth as a human was very different, he was still faced with much evil, yet he still persevered.