In a world so full of social and political turmoil and immense human suffering, people of faith will often be ridiculed because of their so-called ineffectiveness.  Many will say:  “If you believe that there is a loving God, let your God do something about this mess!”   Some will simply declare religion irrelevant, while others will consider it an obstacle to the creation of a new and better world.

Jesus often tells his followers that, as he was, they will be persecuted, arrested, tortured, and killed.  But he also tells us not to worry but to trust in him at all times.  “Make up your minds not to prepare your defence, because I myself shall give you an eloquence and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to resist or contradict”  (Luke 21:14-15).   Let’s not be afraid of skepticism and cynicism coming our way, but trust that God will give us the strength to hold our ground.