Christ Jesus, as I face persecution on either a large or small scale, give me endurance to remain faith-full to the end.

1 Corinthians 4:1-15
 
When I face persecution, whether of body, mind or spirit, without a doubt I will need the help of the Holy Spirit of Jesus. What will I need the most? Will it be food for the body? Perhaps a copy of the scriptures to keep my mind straight? Maybe a priest to minister the sacraments to me? More than any of these things, as St. Paul well knew, those who are being persecuted need endurance – super physical strength to keep going through hunger, exhaustion and attack; extraordinary flexibility and ingenuity of mind to persevere mentally; and a deep, disciplined commitment to seek the Lord’s face to keep spirit alive despite the demon of despair. If and when I face persecution will I be able to endure to the end of the fight,  to the goal of the race? Christ Jesus, as I face persecution on either a large or small scale, give me endurance to remain faith-full to the end.    
    
The Lord is near to all who call upon him, who call upon him in truth. (Psalm 145:18)
 
The gift of grace increases as the struggle increases.  
St. Rose of Lima
 
Soli gloriam dei.