This is Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Catholic Diocese of Arlington. It is easy to follow the crowd, to blend in, to say and do the things that will endear us to the majority. But at what cost? Sacred Scripture tells us that there is only One who we need to follow, Our Risen Lord. To do so, however, often requires us to rise above the crowd, to do what is right, holy and just. Yet it is not easy to do so, especially in these challenging times. To follow the way of Jesus will incur sacrifice in rising above the crowd. It requires courage. We may have to pay a price for being faithful to Jesus and his teachings. It may include ridicule and rejection from family, friends and colleagues. But St. Paul reminds and encourages us: “Bear your share of hardship for the Gospel with the strength that comes from God.”