In response to Peter’s question regarding the fate of those who leave behind everything to follow Jesus,

He answered, “Yes… and I tell you that anyone who leaves home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and for the gospel, will receive much more in this present age. He will receive a hundred times more houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields – and persecutions as well; and in the age to come he will receive eternal life.” (Mk 10:29-30)

This passage was recorded in Matthew’s and Luke’s gospels as well; the only difference is that Mark’s account has the additional phrase “and persecutions as well”. (Mk 10:30)

In the eyes of Jesus, “persecutions” is seen as a form of blessing.

While we might be willing to leave behind our homes or brothers or sisters or mothers or children or fields, accepting those who “persecute” us requires greater courage. Is it therefore not a type of blessing to be able to accept this challenge?

Indeed “persecutions” has great value in and of itself.

The harder we work at living a good life, the more we may be confronted with different challenges. In those moments of trial, do not doubt God’s presence in our lives. Rather, have the faith to accept those as moments of God’s blessing for us.