Ignorance of History 

   I hear people complain about the way things are today and there is certainly enough to complain about.  But most people have very little knowledge of history, whether it be the history of the Church or of the world.  Without the perspective of the past the present can seem to be much worse than it really is.

   There is persecution against Christians in the United States today as there hasn’t been in recent memory.  In fact, I’m not sure this nation has ever been as anti-God as it is today.  But still, Christians aren’t being fed to wild animals in the circuses as entertainment for the Roman crowds.  There is no Nero pouring oil over Christians, hanging them on lampposts and setting them on fire to light the streets of Rome.  Will the persecutions get worse?  I fear that they may, but let us pray that we never see the level of persecutions and martyrdom Christianity has experienced in times past.

   A healthy perspective on life, both secular and spiritual can help reduce the anxiety and fear many are experiencing today.  I certainly don’t make light of the evil we see in society, and it is our responsibility as Christians to confront the abominations of a depraved society.  But we must also keep in mind that, as bad as it may be today, it has been far worse in the past and could be again.

   We must trust in God and His plan if we are to know the peace that He wants us to have within us.  We must trust Christ when He said, “And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.” (Matt 28: 20).