Monday of Holy Week

The large crowd of the Jews found out that he was there and came, not only because of him, but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. And the chief priests plotted to kill Lazarus too, because many of the Jews were turning away and believing in Jesus because of him.

When we give witness to and share our faith, we risk being persecuted like Jesus and Lazarus. Some people do not believe in God and so our choice to live Christ-like lives will seem strange and irrational. Others do not want others to believe in God and will persecute those who try to evangelize the world. No matter how much resistance we are faced with, we are constantly called to be God-bearers. We do this through servant leadership, proclaiming the Good News, and by participating in the sacraments, especially the Eucharist. When we do this, our every thought, word, and work become a perfume offered up to God for His glory and the hope of our resurrection.

Are we willing to risk persecution in order to evangelize the world? In what ways can we reveal God’s Love, Mercy, and Grace to those around us? Do we offer everything, including our lives, to God?

O Lord, help us to lead others to a faith in Jesus.

Amen.