Above: Chapel to Our Lady, Queen of Peace, in the National Shrine of the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Washington DC.. Photo by Father Lawrence Lew, O.P.
- Jesus tells us it will be hard for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of Heaven
- The disciples ask who then will be saved. Jesus tells us that for us- it is impossible, "but for God all things are possible."
- Peter asks what they will receive because they have left family, homes, children, and parents.
Let’s consider this third part today in a way in which perhaps we haven’t thought about it before now. Since Peter, having been called to follow Jesus, asks the question about what they will receive as a result of following Jesus, we tend to look at this passage as those who have been called to follow Christ in the priesthood or in religious life. But what about those many Christians who are being persecuted—driven from their homes, their land, and their families for the sake of His name? Today, let us remember to pray for all those Christians around the world who are being persecuted.
The sons and daughters of St. Dominic are there in their midst; laboring for the salvation of souls. May they continue to be a witness to light and hope just as St. Dominic was and continues to be.
The following prayer was written by Patriarch Sako, the Chaldean Catholic Patriarch of Iraq:
Lord,
The plight of Iraq is deep and the suffering of Christians is severe and frightening. Therefore, we ask you Lord to spare the lives of the people of Iraq, and to grant them patience, and courage to continue their witness of Christian values with trust and hope. Lord, peace is the foundation of life; Grant the peace and stability that will enable all to live with each other without fear and anxiety, and with dignity and joy. Glory be to you forever. Amen.
St. Dominic, Pray for us!
Mary Queen of Peace, Pray for us!
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