Today, I am confronted with the reality that if I walk this journey toward to God and actually change, become a better person, there may be some unpleasant consequences. The long-suffering prophet, Jeremiah, prays for help because people find him odious, obnoxious, and a pain because he is righteous, calling their faults up to them. They plot to kill him.The Psalmist is frightened because the crowds are plotting against his life, too. And then in Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus promises James and John that they will indeed drink from the same cup, experience the same suffering and die because they follow him. Not the best recommendation for a Christian life, I must say!! In other words, as I struggle to walk the walk, I may face difficulties. There may be some who will hate me, or even try to destroy me. That seems unlikely, but hate is real. Now, I have to ask, am I willing to risk that? How important is my faith to me? IF I travel the road with others, will I come to their aid if they face harm because of their faith or will I run away to save myself? Can I drink from Jesus’ chalice? Do I even want to? More soul searching
