Easter 7: Exaudi—"On Persecution"

The Spirit of truth testifies of Jesus, who is the Truth. But the world does not receive the Truth. It loves its own and hates those who are of the Truth. Just as Jesus was scorned, so is His church. "The time is coming that whoever kills you will think that he offers God service." (Jn 15:26Ñ16:4) Yet it is by Jesus' suffering and death that we are saved. Therefore we rejoice to share in His sufferings, that we may also share in His resurrection glory. (1 Pet 4:7-14) Through the ministry of the Spirit of truth, we are cleansed from the deceit of our idols and given a new heart and a new spirit, the heart and Spirit of Christ. (Ezek 36:22-28) He is now at work in us to have fervent, self-giving love for one another, love which covers a multitude of sins, "that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen."