Underlined Self-Perception Box

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.  Matthew 5: 11-13

I think that it is important to read these verses in context.  In the context of being merciful, being pure in heart (without guile), and being peacemakers.  This is righteousness and for this it is a joy to be persecuted. 

I have really appreciated Rick Richardson’s book on Evangelism Outside the Box.  There is a clarity yet a gentleness on how we are called to live.  There is a boldness, coupled with discernment.  And there is a need to let go of our “theological, sacred practice, structure, strategy and self-perception boxes.”  Personally, I have to underline self-perception box.  It is not about me. Let us not be persecuted because we are fighting over boxes, but because we are truly being salt and light in a savorless and dark world. 

And oddly, my run with autobiographies of those who have indeed been persecuted for mercy, purity and peace, such as Archbishop Lamy, Gerard Manley Hopkins, Bonhoeffer and Rusesabagina, have filled me with joy.  And the faithful ones in my life, the Lisandros, the Bordens, the Hawthornes, the Adams, the Jean Batts, and the Heathers and Dustins.  Such a cloud of witnesses. 

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.