Jonah

Day's Saints
All Franciscan Saints
Blessed Redmptorus of the Cross, Carmelite

Gospel Lk 21:12-19
Jesus said to the crowd:
"They will seize and persecute you,
they will hand you over to the synagogues and to prisons,
and they will have you led before kings and governors
because of my name.
It will lead to your giving testimony.
Remember, you are not to prepare your defense beforehand,
for I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking
that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute.
You will even be handed over by parents,
brothers, relatives, and friends,
and they will put some of you to death.
You will be hated by all because of my name,
but not a hair on your head will be destroyed.
By your perseverance you will secure your lives."

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Swallowed by the whale, Jonah
nevertheless had a safe place until
the Lord commanded the whale to
spew him forth.

Institutions have a life of their own, and they do not like to be discarded or ignored, even though they may very well discard or ignore the truth to suit their needs.

Nevertheless, the saints of God come into the world to shake its foundations and restore the honor of God who will not be mocked by His creation. The children of God will give testimony whose eloquence silences the lies on the tongues of evil.

Our life in the present moment is secured by the Lord, and we pass from the power of the wicked with ease as He bestows the blessings of heaven and salvation.

Do not give way to panic or fear, because in all instances we are in the power of the Lord who loves us and who delivers us. Ask Him for what you need, pray for the needs of others, and offer prayers, penance and sacrifices to the Lord for the needs of your brothers and sisters. Defy evil in this way, reaffirming the covenant between the people of God and the Lord Our God. Let your acts of love and courage in the face of adversity demonstrate the power of God and show the power of His love, for it will defend itself and win the victory that will raise us from the dead.