According to the group Open Doors USA, 360 million Christians in 2021 lived in countries where persecution was “significant.” Roughly 5,600 Christians were murdered, more than 6,000 were detained or imprisoned, and another 4,000-plus were kidnapped. In addition, more than 5,000 churches and other religious facilities were destroyed.

This is something that should not be a surprise because of three reasons:

• People do not want God
• People do not want to hear the truth
• The main enemy of the devil is the Church

That is why when Christ founded the Church through Peter he assured us that the gates of the netherworld will not prevail against it. 

For us Christians and Catholics, the challenge is to be “Light of the World” and “Salt of the Earth.” It is not easy in a world wherein the wrong is made right and the right is made wrong; it is not easy in a world wherein lying has become an institution; it is not easy in a world that thinks we can exist without God. 

Yet three reasons why?

1. We all have a Mission here on earth. We are here not just to exist but to live. We are not here to enjoy but to have a meaningful life. When we make a difference, people will not like it. Yet, we hope to make this world a better place, even if it starts with our family before we move on to the next life. 
   
2. Human Beings are Good by Nature. We are created in the image and likeness of God. Hence, we are true to ourselves when we fight for what is right, what is true, what is good. 
   
3. Set an Example for the Next Generation. For those who are in their 50s or older, we know that our time on earth is limited. May we inspire the younger generation to live a worthwhile life. May we instill in them the love for God, Church, Country, and Family. 

Jesus reminded his disciples that if he were persecuted, be ready for persecution. Yet throughout history, the people who were remembered for bringing hope were those who were faithful to the Mission, fought for what was right, and true and God inspired people through their sacrifices.