“You will be hated by all because of my name, but not a hair on your head will be destroyed. By your perseverance, you will secure your own lives.”
Reflection by Jim Orcutt:
Jesus never minced words. He never gave anyone the impression that following Him would be a cake-walk. He wanted to be sure those who chose His way understood they could expect ridicule and persecution. But, He also promised the prize at the end of the journey would be everlasting life.
History is filled with those who have devoted and even forfeited their lives for a cause to which they were committed. Every country has its heroes and heroines to whom its citizens are indebted. Although most of us will never be called to offer our lives or suffer death in defense of Christ, still, the trials of life may test our faith. The agonizing loss of a child or grandchild to illness or accident may challenge our ability to accept that which is beyond our understanding.
The masses of poverty stricken people throughout the world, starving in the face of great abundance, may leave us questioning.
I once had a prominent politician, from a city where we serve, tell me: “You people at My Brother’s Keeper are contributing to the problems of this city. If you would stop helping these people, they’d move away.” His remark sadden me because I remember what it was like growing up poor, sleeping five in a bed, and eating ketchup sandwiches for days and watching my mom’s unselfish struggle to provide for us.
But, as Jesus said, both praise and ridicule will come your way when serving the poor.  We find compassion by remembering our own suffering and we are called to service by the words of Jesus: “I was hungry and you fed me.” Matthew 25: 35. Elie Wiesel, who suffered in a German concentration camp said, “Without memory, there is no culture. Without memory, there would be no civilization, no society, no future.”
Irrespective of skeptics: in our souls and minds we remain a people of faith. Faith is the degree to which we believe that which we hope for will come to pass.  As we continue to offer our hearts and service for Christ, take courage from the words of Jeremiah 29:11. “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”