Even though I was heartbroken a year ago when our local churches stopped offering public Masses, I was filled with gratitude that at least the doors were still open. I was free to enter my beloved church and pray before the Lord in the tabernacle. Many were not so fortunate; I listened with sadness as the months dragged on and my friends were still unable to enter their churches.

I wondered then, and I still do: what will I do if ever confronted by more barriers to my faith and worship? The more I surrender to Jesus and try to live every aspect of my life according to His will, the more people notice. I wonder if I will be confident when confronted by strangers or neighbors about my faith, my Sunday worship, my life choices that set me apart from the status quo.

What if religious persecution one day threatens my freedom to worship, or even my life, as it does to so many of our sisters in Christ around the world?

I long for the convictions of the men threatened with fire in today's reading from Daniel 3:14-20. If faced with questions about (or attacks on) my faith, I want to be strong in the truth and trust in the Lord. I want to have the confidence in faith that sets me free from fearing what others think.

Sister, pray with me for this holy courage. Pray with me for religious freedoms around the world.

Lord, help us to daily remain in Your Word, to know the truth and grow as Your disciples (John 8:32). Strengthen us with Your Word. When confrontation comes (can any of us expect to slip quietly through life without having to defend her faith?), give us assurance that You are with us as we witness to You. You promise that the truth will set us free. Jesus, we trust in You. We trust You will be with us in all things and will give us courage as Your disciples. Blessed are You, Jesus, Word of God and hope of Christians. Amen.

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