Made Captive
I will send famine in the land: not a famine of bread, or thirst for water, but for hearing the word of the Lord. – Amos 8:11
In North Korea, it is strictly forbidden to be a Christian. A ministry worker in that country reports that anyone who has a Bible is sent to a camp, along with his or her whole family. Over 50,000 Christians are in prison camps because of their faith. Used as human guinea pigs, they are viewed as “a danger to society” and people rarely get out alive.
It is unthinkable for us who live in Catholic Philippines to imagine that such things are happening to our brethren in other parts of the world. And yet this news is true and comes from Open Doors, an organization that helps persecuted Christians.
What if a time when a famine “for hearing the word of the Lord” occurs in our country? What if owning a Bible, going to church or holding a prayer meeting becomes illegal?
They say that we only truly appreciate something when it is gone. Let us not allow this to happen to our faith. Even now, let’s be thankful for the religious freedom that we enjoy; let us strive to use its advantages for our good; let’s help others who are having difficulty in their faith. Joy Sosoban (jsosoban@gmail.com)
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REFLECTION:
Am I grateful for the gift of faith and for the freedom to exercise it? Am I growing my faith?
Lord, let me be made a willing captive of the Word and the faith You have gifted me with.
St. Maria Goretti, virgin and martyr, pray for us.
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