That was the story of the early Church.
And, it still persists.
Persecution wears different faces.
In parts of Nigeria or the Middle East, it is Christians killed for their faith.
It is smoke rising from a vandalized parish…
or the heavy silence after a priest is taken.
These are the raw, physical crosses of modern martyrdom.
But persecution also comes in quieter forms.
Laws that limit ministry.
Surveillance of gatherings.
The pressure to hide your faith at work or school.
Different methods, same intent:
to make the believer feel isolated and small.
And even in the digital world, the pressure continues—
mockery of the faith,
harassment of clergy or laypeople,
or the subtle message that it’s safer to stay quiet.
Yet Scripture gives us a holy turning point.
Those who were scattered did not fade away.
They went about preaching the word.
And Jesus tells us why we can do the same:
“This is the will of my Father… that I should not lose anything of what He gave me… that everyone who sees the Son and believes may have eternal life.”
So even when the Church is pushed, scattered, or misunderstood, Christ is not shaken.
He gathers.
He protects.
He raises up.
The Father’s will is that nothing be lost.
We may be scattered by the pressures of this world—
but we are held by the hand of the Son.
And His promise stands firm:
He will not lose us.
He will raise us up.
The scattering is temporary.
The life is eternal.
Prayer
Lord Jesus,
Gather what is scattered.
Steady the hearts that feel pressed down.
Strengthen all who suffer for Your name.
Let Your light guard every step we take.
Let Your mercy hold our hope in place.
Keep us faithful in every trial.
Raise us up in Your everlasting love.
Amen
