Persecution

(In honor of the kidnapped girls in Nigeria and their mothers.)

Korea, early 1800s
  Cecilia's husband was killed by the authorities because he was Christian.  Eventually she went to live with her son who was involved in dangerous missions work.  Cecilia prayed for the success of her son's work and practiced a life of sacrifice so that others might eat.  
  At the age of 79 Cecilia was arrested.  The authorities demanded that she renounce her faith and tell them where her son was.  She refused and was whipped repeatedly until she died with the names of Jesus and his mother Mary on her lips.

  (This account is taken from the May issue of Magnificat, an excellent resource for daily prayer and Scripture reading.  http://www.Magnificat.com )

  For reflection:  Christians have been persecuted since the time of Jesus.  Several times per hour, somewhere in the world, another Christian dies.

  Let us pray.  Contend, O Lord, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me. (Psalm 35:1)  We ask you, Lord, to deliver the girls in Nigeria from their abductors without further harm and to release from prison all who are persecuted for their faith.

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