The Wired Word for 11172024 - CourtneyR.dev's 2nd Brain

The Wired Word for 11/17/2024 ![rw-book-cover](https://readwise-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/static/images/article3.5c705a01b476.png) ## Metadata - Author: [[The Wired Word]] - Full Title: The Wired Word for 11/17/2024 - Category: #articles - Document Note: --- tags: - #faith - #persecution - #human_rights - #leadership - #courage Author: Communication Resources Source: Communication Resources Reference: [The Wired Word](https://www.thewiredword.com) date created: 2024-11-16 12:15 --- # Title: Lessons from Father Marcelo Pérez: A Reflection on Faith, Courage, and Advocacy ## Table of Contents: - [📝 Summary](#-summary) - [📖 Main Content](#-main-content) - [🗒️ Notes](#-notes) - [📖 References](#-references) - [🗣️ Paraphrase](#-paraphrase) - [📰 Newsletter](#-newsletter) - [✅ Action Items](#-action-items) - [🧪 Hypotheses](#-hypotheses) - [📊 Methodology](#-methodology) - [❓ Questions](#-questions) - [🔮 Future Research](#-future-research) - [💡 Implications](#-implications) - [🧠 Learning Styles Assessment](#-learning-styles-assessment) - [📊 Accessibility Assessment](#-accessibility-assessment) - [🌍 DEIB Assessment](#-deib-assessment) - [✅ Logical Validity](#-logical-validity) - [🔍 DARVO Analysis](#-darvo-analysis) - [🔍 SEO Evaluation](#-seo-evaluation) - [🎯 Conclusion](#-conclusion) ## 📝 Summary: The article reflects on the life and legacy of Father Marcelo Pérez, an indigenous Tzotzil priest in Chiapas, Mexico, who dedicated his ministry to advocating for peace and justice in the face of drug cartel violence. Pérez was assassinated after years of enduring threats and violence for his unwavering commitment to serving his community. The discussion also highlights how his faith informed his courage and determination to stand with the oppressed, drawing parallels to biblical teachings about persecution and the cost of discipleship. ## 📖 Main Content: Father Marcelo Pérez's life exemplified the intersection of faith, social justice, and advocacy. As an indigenous priest, he led efforts to combat cartel violence and support his community despite enduring threats, arson, and false accusations. His assassination underscores the broader struggles faced by human rights defenders in Mexico and calls attention to the role of faith in inspiring courage and resilience. ### 🗒️ Notes #### **Key Details About Father Marcelo Pérez** - **Background**: An indigenous Tzotzil priest with Mayan heritage, serving in Chiapas, Mexico's poorest state. - **Advocacy**: - Worked to combat cartel-fueled violence. - Promoted peace and reconciliation despite threats. - Advocated for the rights of indigenous and marginalized communities. - **Challenges**: - Subjected to beatings, arson, death threats, and false accusations. - Transferred multiple times to ensure his safety. - Assassinated after celebrating Mass in Cuxtitali on October 20, 2024. #### **Broader Context** - **Violence in Chiapas**: - Region plagued by cartel violence and systemic injustice. - Thousands displaced due to violence, with widespread kidnappings and murders. - **Global Attention**: - The UN and Amnesty International report high levels of violence against activists. - Pérez was the seventh human rights defender killed in Mexico in 2024. #### **Faith and Mission** - **Biblical Inspiration**: - Pérez’s advocacy aligned with biblical teachings about standing with the oppressed. - Quotes Isaiah 52:7: "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace." - **Personal Mission**: - Saw his work as a divine calling to defend life and promote justice. - Emphasized solidarity with suffering communities, echoing Christ's example. #### **Legacy** - **Community Impact**: - Strengthened and inspired his community through his courage and advocacy. - Advocated for systemic change, urging others to raise their voices against injustice. - **Continuing Reflection**: - His life invites reflection on the costs of discipleship and the call to stand with the marginalized. ## 📖 References: - Communication Resources. "The Wired Word." [The Wired Word](https://www.thewiredword.com) ## 🗣️ Paraphrase: 1. **Original**: "Chiapas is becoming a cemetery, and we have to stand up for the simple, poor people." - **Paraphrase**: Father Marcelo Pérez described Chiapas as a region overtaken by violence, emphasizing the need to advocate for and protect its most vulnerable residents. 2. **Original**: "If they kill me, it's a scandal; but if they kill a peasant nothing happens. If it helps to give my life, here I am." - **Paraphrase**: Pérez highlighted systemic injustice, stating that his death might garner attention, unlike the unnoticed deaths of peasants, and affirmed his readiness to sacrifice for justice. ### Questions and Answers: #### **1. What happens to a church when the prevailing teaching promotes the idea that followers of Christ should expect to experience only privilege and prosperity rather than persecution and pain?** When a church emphasizes privilege and prosperity over the reality of persecution, it risks distorting the core message of the gospel. This approach: - **Misrepresents Christ’s Teachings**: Jesus explicitly taught that his followers would face trials and opposition (John 15:20). Ignoring this creates a superficial faith that is unprepared for hardship. - **Weakens Resilience**: Congregants may struggle to reconcile their experiences of suffering with their expectations, leading to disillusionment or a crisis of faith. - **Neglects True Discipleship**: A focus on prosperity can overshadow the call to sacrificial love and service, which are hallmarks of following Christ (Matthew 16:24). - **Response**: A healthy church must balance messages of hope and blessing with teachings about perseverance and the inevitability of challenges, equipping believers to remain steadfast in faith. --- #### **2. How would you define "conversion"? How does your definition compare/contrast with the way Pérez experienced it in the news article above?** **Definition of Conversion**: Conversion is a profound transformation of heart, mind, and actions, aligning a person’s life with God’s purposes. It often involves a recognition of sin, acceptance of grace, and a commitment to live according to Christ’s teachings. **Comparison with Pérez’s Experience**: - **Similarity**: Pérez’s conversion was rooted in a personal encounter with injustice during the Acteal Massacre. Like traditional conversion narratives, it led to a life of service and alignment with Christ’s mission to defend the oppressed. - **Contrast**: While many conversions focus on individual salvation, Pérez’s experience emphasized communal responsibility and solidarity with the suffering. --- #### **3. In the news, the people's bravery gave Pérez courage, and his example, in turn, strengthened the people. Whose example strengthens you? And who do you hope to encourage by the testimony of your own life and words?** **Who Strengthens Me**: - Personal examples could include family members, mentors, or historical figures known for their courage and faith, such as Martin Luther King Jr. or Mother Teresa. These individuals inspire perseverance, selflessness, and integrity. **Who I Hope to Encourage**: - I aim to inspire my children, peers, and community members by living a life rooted in compassion, integrity, and purpose. Through my actions and words, I hope to encourage others to pursue justice, faith, and community service. --- #### **4. How can Christians prepare themselves for the possibility that they may be asked to forsake Christ and their faith, or suffer persecution if they refuse?** **Preparation Strategies**: 1. **Deepen Faith**: - Study Scripture to understand the promise of trials (e.g., Matthew 5:10-12) and God’s faithfulness in hardship. - Cultivate a strong prayer life for spiritual resilience. 2. **Community Support**: - Build relationships with fellow believers to encourage mutual accountability and strength. 3. **Practical Preparation**: - Develop the courage to speak truth in small situations, preparing for larger challenges. - Educate oneself on the experiences of persecuted Christians globally to anticipate potential scenarios. --- #### **5. How might "standing up for simple, poor people" be consistent with the way we live out our faith?** Standing up for the marginalized reflects the essen - Summary: Fr. Dear Class Members, Our lesson this week uses the recent assassination of an indigenous Mexican Catholic priest to discuss persecution and the price of living out one's faith. ![](https://www.thewiredword.com/_img/tww_logo_email.jpg) **Mexican Priest-Peace Activist Slain*****The Wired Word*** **for the Week of November 17, 2024** **In the News** Fr. Marcelo Pérez, 41, an indigenous Tzotzil priest with Mayan heritage who served the San Cristobal de las Casas diocese in Chiapas, southern Mexico's poorest state, was shot dead by two assailants on a motorcycle Sunday, October 20. He died in his van after celebrating Mass in the barrio of Cuxtitali. The Catholic peace and justice activist, who worked for two decades to stem violence fueled by drug cartel rivalry, had suffered beatings, damage to his car, arson at the parish house where he lived, false accusations, multiple death threats and plots to murder him. An arrest warrant was in place at the time of his assassination. Church officials had transferred Pérez several times in efforts to protect him from his enemies. According to the U.N. Human Rights Office, Pérez was the seventh human rights activist killed in Mexico in 2024. Amnesty International reported in 2023 that rights activists and indigenous land defenders face high levels of violence and intimidation as part of a "broader strategy of disincentivizing and dismantling advocacy for land, territorial and environmental rights." In September, Pérez told Mexico's news outlet *Aristegui Noticias*: "Chiapas is a time bomb. There are many disappeared, many kidnappings, many murders because of the presence of organized crime. ... Against this wave of violence, we seek peace." Although he implored the people "not to fall into the temptation of revenge," and sought to calm tensions after acts of brutality and terror against them, Pérez was accused of inciting communities to violence when their anger and grief turned destructive. Mexico's two largest criminal syndicates -- the Sinaloa and the Jalisco New Generation cartels -- have been fighting for control of a lucrative route that runs through Chiapas which is used by drug smugglers, human traffickers, migrants and arms dealers. Thousands of people have fled for their lives to escape the violence. "We are living something similar to the times of Jesus. The Romans had no mercy. The narco has no mercy," Pérez said in 2022. "Chiapas is becoming a cemetery and we have to stand up for the simple, poor people." The priest said that when he was transferred to Simojovel in 2011, "people started coming to tell their pains, the deaths. There I discovered that the criminals have agreements with the authorities and complaints provoked threats." Pérez said the 1997 Acteal Massacre, in which 45 Tzotzils were murdered while they prayed, gave him "light" and "converted" him. Heartbroken by the pain of survivors who had lost entire families, he was determined "to cry with those who cry, to suffer with those who suffer" and, especially, "to walk with them ... accompany those who suffer." "I was afraid but I could see that in Acteal the people are free," said the Father. "I am a pastor but the sheep are very brave." "I feel a divine call to defend life, no matter the personal cost," Pérez commented in an interview with the Indigenous Peoples' Rights International. "Even if I have to give my life so that others may have life, I am very clear that this is the mission that God has given me. In that sense, I am not afraid of offering my life or going to jail. Wherever I am, I will continue to work for the defense of life. I give my life to defend life." "If they kill me, it's a scandal; but if they kill a peasant nothing happens," Pérez said. "If it helps to give my life, here I am," he said. Under this verse from the prophet Isaiah 52:7 ("How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace"), the Tzotzil team of the Diocese of San Cristobal de las Casas wrote to Pérez in 2021, "Your testimony strengthens us and encourages us to continue walking, accompanying our people. We value your thirst for justice, the search for peace and reconciliation." More on this story can be found at these links: [Catholic Priest, Noted Human Rights Defender, Assassinated in Southern Mexico.](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPM-2FRIsQIFR9Y-2BHYLQXmWu50-2BNW-2B8iH19X-2FHJVtejDFC60t0e4JGY6ejH1I4SqZnFtTVpodhA65OB6gCGKJtDAbgqqsZJ3rcxl0ieM-2FSE8ZJS2bQByvVzqF2dlwvPSwljt-2BOiOHc5Lr-2BZMTGXXCP7vAWTI5h4LIL2wft3eHo-2FOAWu9fkM_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAIxB1kODM21lWjCOi-2FgaLCqJu-2B6kU73va8p2pIfuo-2BEHaw5BU3sJnqid-2FSWdy9mUVgPzctgX5qb4DMHICzj079gDBSFhoJrLofOTXH0-2Bijv6CVX1ui4smemGzMpQgquLWKqSPyueSpjJWyTm0gcY7H5tJRvObNhI7cHz-2B4M7WBggQG1IRV8ypM0IR9eDDSgerN3KUNUXIL9lRYvDdEL1O1Wo-3D) [*Los Angeles Times*](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPM-2FRIsQIFR9Y-2BHYLQXmWu50-2BNW-2B8iH19X-2FHJVtejDFC60t0e4JGY6ejH1I4SqZnFtTVpodhA65OB6gCGKJtDAbgqqsZJ3rcxl0ieM-2FSE8ZJS2bQByvVzqF2dlwvPSwljt-2BOiOHc5Lr-2BZMTGXXCP7vAWTI5h4LIL2wft3eHo-2FOAWuS96O_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAI2p2nwtG1V6SwqSckrBPejibKHJTo8z3-2F-2BnIKk7iZgXFr-2Fw9zXXEWzsz-2FVcJErZQhuZwY8AqgOe0uR3LG41CmHGRPRM0jEdb2D34QTdJL14Tud6yzTQcJfSiyUZ-2Bo1Tzz4l84qf8UlCrGnDItzSxsjp2-2B99-2FzVn-2B7XbEjfPWFA5herrHen-2FQBcg7H9NCPiV2te8NVWdP74xGSQCHo9iBsgU-3D) [Hundreds Mourn Catholic Priest and Indigenous Peace Activist Killed in Southern Mexico.](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPPhz4kbGdHyiM58f8XjV4-2B48wG-2B4K69oSY9G-2BglQQsL-2FhmYM_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAI8HmvEuX2zzWPhD7FvPRb9PPVTCRuGEMQ7JCzhT8xF9N8ZIOqzVw5qm6IEmTfRUQ86EpSpo-2B-2FO-2FBrUAK0mnxvJeG-2Fb2IuoYWqcg9ESX11A-2FiEy76mxxHszfRKQwOqM5zIYcuX7-2FG9RAVnOudS2hufe-2BNp7AJT73KlcXNLgT3bGqwBICXPdJrERaXPgN-2F4opl8ceWUp29f3vGSkQ8JABqHe8-3D) [*Associated Press*](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPPhz4kbGdHyiM58f8XjV4-2B48wG-2B4K69oSY9G-2BglQQsL-2FlV7W_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAI5hEIw-2FZz2QYDRAQCXzWtOTpneLxqb7ZrCFT9gdpgNuShorIKcuo4IvpuBz5U5CDfklPoGjVqb4oOPVPid6jkXe8oQdsFIhrbToyn7BB-2Bz5QMEBBCFvuZvsQZ-2BhCKkXly3x4O1nnRGleV82qiKJp669X-2FSHU5faVGPfS-2FkZec9Nf9-2F5Ji7-2BD7eRfDG7kZ6DqSvAIpp9ly-2Fr8a77vJ8SS-2BCw-3D) [Father Marcelo Pérez, Messenger of Peace.](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPKCx8GSkEJmg18gqWluYZ2B-2FQA7jhbmfvj151eGB8KoRnThlYo-2FyirDOyCp-2FpJP92JfBbchyAJaVt7Qkhg97yok-3DaRny_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAI2tCYQZrP9Di5WhLMCRXLXe4zJA3fB-2F-2BJ4OHBvvZi9W4gISiavHpTqkaXiVV3-2BXYfTUdEhHNN1Egz9VOEjG5N54IFgRvqFwbcvmpZetpTKXUiBPWvjtyKvHcntGurWY4biLPgxwnBd-2F9Ftq2e3urMRCwlTQdccWjeJy2pzDUw2eEzTUviN-2BspmI3uBhOJTbmN-2B84A2SSfWgdW7280ZVAtNQ-3D) [*Schools for Chiapas*](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPKCx8GSkEJmg18gqWluYZ2B-2FQA7jhbmfvj151eGB8KoRnThlYo-2FyirDOyCp-2FpJP92JfBbchyAJaVt7Qkhg97yok-3DdZhy_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAIw-2F-2BO0quNiXecXu-2B1RvdPpKvISxObBT1qnHQAAYpjFsRuCvfPWCTigwDJRvAroV4w0g1H12tZJ-2F-2BtCDeUjrTKCg9FEKfxQ7E-2F20RTHdZ1-2Fdksy-2FAlY507mrEq2ZWBLcxOiwfasPesHgPPqrPv2oa-2FWHNdf0WWH-2B4j9-2FsUO5-2F-2Bu3Za-2BE-2FuqMG51jbiAWhW2rLXe4vPNtQ7baGN17gsFioUSk-3D) [Mexico III. Father Marcelo: "The Earth Groans the Pains of Childbirth."](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPKLIaVW5oc3B-2FiwT30wFuArBauS70X9dZczDusRpKzEcpgXgex3v2z50Nh4-2FSJ6tyjX3CpQwqueDkU54QUBayud-2F26MINE30ngxQ3XZplYDh4cgxaNL9XqT9-2FSJp9q6rr5NMgtfJvMCIcf4CibHSMyw-3DYwTZ_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAI2ZLXDxm6y-2F6-2FfS1-2BDP1lO6BXXaTDxj9yucEK6AVHG8yTMextI-2Bb3Ql1AikabTj0QcIDJfCKxfAod0bKjPI6vwkboLP1jUHTUr3zXP5AGiabgc1WrGFK5nVTbu3RSZkHJcmGs27sfkRurOPLZL5biPWLXEq27woF3yiRNn7szfSW-2BMfA2cTwBtFWcEdzt8Yz5Ifl1hb8tlgHf-2ByThOHHj3Q-3D) [*Chiapas Support Committee*](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPKLIaVW5oc3B-2FiwT30wFuArBauS70X9dZczDusRpKzEcpgXgex3v2z50Nh4-2FSJ6tyjX3CpQwqueDkU54QUBayud-2F26MINE30ngxQ3XZplYDh4cgxaNL9XqT9-2FSJp9q6rr5NMgtfJvMCIcf4CibHSMyw-3DcPiL_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAI1qgJsUsEFQvvsVzLuIfiVfXT4eulEufGEZ-2BI8fqTom8qVaXttmVfClbMnD88gPmgLUzi8CAKpmvNTI7Sz71UaDyr49-2BSJWNsp5K0DCisVo7XfxEkO-2Bc-2B1nNW3OwVHAtjLr-2FLWAb0teAt5HtBHe4RYPl9EEqHLLUwIv8im7YQmGHGa1zvn-2FFNf4TPwMPNZAIf8EyJ6VuVdjs1Oi-2Fq2yrQXo-3D) [Priest Shot Dead in Southern Mexico After Leaving Sunday Service.](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPJ9oAs-2BmFpJ1VczB7ZcYXf1hUJlRh22tGBv0MV1vgJzx8LQ8-2BA28JQtsmNZUwKzMiQzysuYmBSj6JjYKHQDKbVh1JiFMmL-2BuR2dKGLulaR3OnERbDPBsXePlVyO-2B-2FHc-2F4vDByLzdMlrl8oZjzLi4w28-3DmWmq_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAIxRR67A-2Fk0f2iRjhYytOu9VlIRPCHyLK911ZbSGe70aUMY9XEFH1uHDl-2BhQMxVAVZSH5ygkvxEm64qjzTfAy0eRGdY4Fx1jcXu1GnxgZr-2FqsNoU58B3DdfhuJobFwhuCs9i1nTJnMKFc1xMT363F1RQDXh3dJW9lqZWJwk0YEhJYAp04Bi3tpNPFgeRy-2BM-2FbZKO1P1oeADA207xYrCzJdh8-3D) [*Al Jazeera*](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPJ9oAs-2BmFpJ1VczB7ZcYXf1hUJlRh22tGBv0MV1vgJzx8LQ8-2BA28JQtsmNZUwKzMiQzysuYmBSj6JjYKHQDKbVh1JiFMmL-2BuR2dKGLulaR3OnERbDPBsXePlVyO-2B-2FHc-2F4vDByLzdMlrl8oZjzLi4w28-3DhEV6_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAI0WmOHK8IQJhhNmieSJW4XfEpQRPyuAVH719RCJ3ylCg7ulNijfVzufbURWOjGQzDnFBbwd7R-2F46n4CcWAGJkyxeLocaZ1ZqFLoZiG2O-2BFCDE7wixeHs-2F6VsLS36BOTtczEXSm14wGNKDvv0w29-2BmbC2n8slxbw-2FxuB8RonOztrpaf94gIFj2CufFnspkXHIFbMAdk6CBXjLiSc0LiPiAEw-3D) **Applying the News Story** The Bible doesn't pull any punches when it comes to talking about persecution. Jesus said his followers should expect it ([Matthew 24:9-10](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxEE9arX6m0yHZZAbtNhYaDTa7awVnp6xue9JTSKOXUA6IPVrvmlGPzqt5qJPLeERWVCBH_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAI7-2F4V1nPV5p5N9P-2B5YVRazf2STimQ4e9WRPQq-2BtddplM70FO9ciNAqOCCISo1OkP2zLXq9AMOhZuVmw0W2AXDsBydW2YtsCKQQ3mJyTSQYI-2Fg0Hjb3WJv5aQ9dUUlRlk5d7YujZFYk-2BCZL8O9Jpk8QdVxm2JG0iirPbBNAZft8zCeHMjZ-2F-2F6Q1kZdBnIAC8QgmWA4BBs-2BEpFesj7sPFaIfU-3D); [John 15:20](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxT4PTUfd6hE6df7lW-2Bu8M6aZF4NfXysvvT4ekE1V-2FCy2CkeHZUIx04iWzBVwmHDeymCFn_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAI0WCBhXEYIasLtQ44MthVpEvuFaB1I16nO5rORXdvG-2BFHfDwIhNUrwTJYng4JOWM-2FqxQsn-2Bs5Y7pLXNcCrnkMwLclMBCBUOw8fk5ph6q1m-2BObqKWTUUbSeQiHv1vmenh6b3Qv27k2mpbhZKMDKfvR4xhGDyDw7kNSfNI0AzzcBLuhvk7yDkZPk4c-2B09F6fr5EyteiE-2FwlZFJ-2FyMmCop1E9o-3D); [John 16:33](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxxRMgP-2BMZTq2hLjCFHQ09sWCtyneReAnSrUtYri-2BqSrM-2Fg21YAQMUHd5ZMAFS51Zd5TBv_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAI87E-2BNMaYbGfRGguByd-2F82dhMKRegc6bXd3r2iUAIl7XwL-2FCL2IpfgOzjvNCQb-2BwlOB3vxq36upTGGcLM0VIPJLrHd-2Be-2Fo74BNH9bnVlCQDMWN9-2BYrp1vEeep1xtyAYe5W7pPx7RpOIp1ZnHJgxB-2FaofuE9JcieleNBEAQ0XE3mUhcWu59nvJ-2FVHrFhx-2FYrp1cfbmBz6bC6vVAXkhqJ6o6U-3D)), for if they persecuted him, they will persecute his disciples as well. After Paul recounts his many persecutions to Timothy, he states that "all who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted" ([2 Timothy 3:12](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxCB6Biq-2Bhf2lG2oReWih72vmsFdSnTfwQnDjlJZL28oZEI0JsHhvuNwKivHlE42kDTHJb_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAI7QGSCHVjj2g82qPOXc-2FuNjxGveWY-2Ff5MhsY2skeHTRCKsqgByb2LLWQ3AW60xqbg-2BXoZv0wF-2BeXF3lGw1wvho2yvgJ7XtnaE311UukMVE3AiiTkLPTgYxvPFRV5GfBvbhYvAkBysx-2BVpnIS9ZgnlUX4pAFtDXOWafXQ6qpm7-2B5qk-2BPqRsSdozuh8CGsQGdTb0WPtxNQ8w4-2B7Jr-2FvgmvcPE-3D)). He and Barnabas taught new believers, "It is through many persecutions that we must enter the kingdom of God" ([Acts 14:22](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzx8tq0zHgQkhVHUzLw7ejHGQcyCP4i8ngmPhAW-2F5V67B1pwWXcJ0Ua727-2BMrzNCtSP4k7w_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAI9nTYDQ8pTFsMnjDmtQNbfpNjfK7gcECyhicxCkiCc6JeK5LC4g9LBUBs3SSNzFDQTMhVjozUapDNdGKeZbyGdnpFB2Ask8phenyo3e2uQtjsT9pzJg9ys7UQ8IZQvcol-2BDYj6ZgoucKtMmfiOegpqWfbs9r1P8Mc56MQYU35XWqxumdGpnxqnp7zhEzFEluZfDSp9hTDVKGEjjWjUVXvtU-3D)). Peter also advises his readers not to "be surprised at the fiery ordeal ... taking place" in their midst, "as though something strange were happening" ([1 Peter 4:12](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxwmfmBgpnTbzq00OVUGKe4H-2Bgm2XrwHrrgFoNMOveZnK5JXxBizVNhgLY44f79RCAIDO-_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAIzjcIt5G6KtZ7jD2QhHyMS8QSHdWnLredjjnExHka9ugeZyTKEtSlQ4G0DGHPdLq697-2BzC9vdjvF0zEgFIzMnzC7A3bk65T32rh3B3kdc9vw6I6GlQ8Bq8f5HVt9S8W1jFiaAuzbyXGtaTaQ2P04eggKq4Sq6W1PMcPYbe-2FaYHZ9hAjZ0d44igFTwnhBg9gJX-2B8byYRCGM5dQO37dyw0v7E-3D)). But God also promises those who suffer for Christ will receive blessings of salvation, the crown of life, the kingdom of heaven and great reward in heaven ([Matthew 24:13](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxEE9arX6m0yHZZAbtNhYaDYQ3hS9Xq34tofXevf7Ny-2FpbptDYVc9aXJbENEzWkXl7-ysu_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAI4ooyGKDctRWHC4ARA71puxMTMywJ6bH9B5XY1aK1nQZXifojC4oxvndqe-2Ff3Ep-2FM1nzQBiVvTbG1UNoAsvs5lAlfX-2FaqVUnqWcAqZ9hOy-2B2Zx3v8IUmkZLhJwzVy68h0MZ1e03uZqSxCxj0rncfmXxZATdm927aA0dKcuRuHoWbYbLuRZznMV9ppvMmkczBB4v5Ufx-2Ft75I-2FW6sBwaX4SY-3D); [Revelation 2:10-11](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxL76PkgLnT0ZbDRKTq4JIBDNCyfc-2BbA88blrlRD-2BZL3TAZxn8wQW2BS577puNIWKoXQsE_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAIzj5AUQjimwz5DWHb9aM7OvC5-2Bd91kBj9C1zME52fxGHyaatz-2BUIjcHa3Q3UbGxYYDElGNYJxmuhoACuKXNbJ4zNmyR5719tzfIiEj9DAkjfsemhi2aGdMYWxvejN0cTJ9S2YZYUey2igEmI3dSaiMKbcESMDySxHdEjMav5PNO4chY-2FHlJwtkvwuTWF5N2vHIusnC75-2BDsbcL-2FpgZXopMs-3D); [Matthew 5:10, 12](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxEE9arX6m0yHZZAbtNhYaDVvKMU9M1W-2F9latAxvs1BZZQi9GPUFcDKeMY7kua6M4GTWRd_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAI9Zw08aEoG-2B-2BBkUW-2F1mHYPU0Dog9xAOr8AKHSmEDbdIDgAScC49NAMb5aCWKgha9NITTh-2BDmqZOsLnFhbsHs6CQdd-2BQ9GorD5HeI9sq9QO1SBdEah-2FFGbchHdhxrGi3P8NT3c4mlsmTHLVlB7EEQRur2IsOcCnyoSF-2BIvjqOsVZSHoZ6P432GmqJPwzXT6c8yXlQrbz0wvZ-2FMqEIrTtO-2FNw-3D)). **The Big Questions** 1. What happens to a church when the prevailing teaching promotes the idea that followers of Christ should expect to experience only privilege and prosperity rather than persecution and pain? 2. How would you define "conversion"? How does your definition compare/contrast with the way Pérez experienced it in the news article above? 3. In the news, the people's bravery gave Pérez courage, and his example, in turn, strengthened the people. Whose example strengthens you? And who do you hope to encourage by the testimony of your own life and words? 4. How can Christians prepare themselves for the possibility that they may be asked to forsake Christ and their faith, or suffer persecution if they refuse? 5. How might "standing up for simple, poor people" be consistent with the way we live out our faith? **Confronting the News With Scripture and Hope**Here are some Bible verses to guide your discussion: **2 Chronicles 24:21-22** *But they conspired against [Zechariah], and by command of the king they stoned him to death in the court of the house of the LORD. King Joash did not remember the kindness that Jehoiada, Zechariah’s father, had shown him but killed his son. As he was dying, he said, "May the LORD see and avenge!"* (For context, read [2 Chronicles 24:19-25](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxwnJbmnGzo41h7rOIXLifKoaI1Sn-2FJqn6A59h3NvYBN4nB3NZqHyL4ZHbTON6NcEMq0SdQkgB-2BkpMMxeaxKk9YA-3D-3Dk50d_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAI-2BMjsolAsxTIYAVUfltoVRsyZt3-2Fp8X-2Fs1SyerPunanklO-2FQ5QhLV9TuhkJK4sL7j3l3Mfa00B8B49lCfbxSWmbDzrNInWdyu6ttmmzGNLmBC94hp3AtuFgvAHejUaWPfbc5wbwdH-2Fie9eqG2E-2F04Z0NuZ7njTS3tvJY56uaXzOGVejuB7F-2B7dLzR9d9taXL-2BzSFBD5Uzn6oSzkBPxO9ldM-3D).) King Joash restored the house of God, under the tutelage of Jehoiada the priest. But when Jehoiada died, Joash was led astray by officials of Judah, who abandoned the worship of God and served idols instead. God sent prophets to bring them back to the Lord, but they would not listen (v. 19). Jehoiada's son, Zechariah, called the people out for their transgression of God's commandments, saying that because they had forsaken the Lord, he had also forsaken them, and they could not prosper (v. 20). This incident serves as a warning that those in power cannot rely on their religious heritage or pedigree to protect them from God's judgment if they abandon God's way. A small army from Aram (the land now known as Syria) defeated Judah's superior military forces and sent all the spoil to Damascus, before withdrawing, leaving Joash severely wounded. His own servants, outraged that the king had ordered the assassination of the son of Jehoiada the priest, who had been so kind to Joash, killed their master on his bed, and denied him the honor of being buried in the tombs of the kings (vv. 23-25). > **Questions:** After years of living uprightly, why did Joash go off the deep end so horribly? What was missing in his life? What guardrails do we need in our lives to keep us on the right path of honoring God and treating others the way they should be treated? **John 11:7-8, 16***Then after this [Jesus] said to the disciples, "Let us go to Judea again." The disciples said to him, "Rabbi, the Jews were just now trying to stone you, and are you going there again?" ... Thomas, who was called the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, "Let us also go, that we may die with him."* (For context, read [John 11:7-16](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxm710weIZqGHxzbXNCbplKeeESinpL4zDhvthDZ9sX4neGLTUOPNdTzWpH8z5l9cH4smr_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAI-2FRRb4ZdOuHU0elfSwsW6gUG6T82OuPRsH4bIjZ-2FwVYPW-2B0yuYvEzqZ2HlBlsxxlwyruuZCw1R0FWUQRUh8T6fUSyH4k93AIVZ-2FlS-2FZaAdYgkxMi9LvjkUrup5HUcF42nlK5RGRECT5bZ428LytdnOOhndKIY5jGY665fvIr1zzo3SzbTQfrafoAfgmT8ukZ2zzpQ833mSYmV9FMIpTAmWY-3D).) Most of us associate the word "doubting" with the disciple Thomas, because he wanted proof of the Resurrection before he could believe it. But when Thomas thought Jesus was in danger, he was ready to share his fate. Perhaps we should call him "devoted Thomas" instead! Two figures from the Hebrew Scriptures stand out for their willingness to stand in solidarity with people who were endangered and suffering: Moses, who was raised a son of privilege in Pharaoh's court, chose "rather to share ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He considered abuse suffered for the Christ to be greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to the reward" ([Hebrews 11:24-26](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxfhOLPuUklFplPPD2VWbSPMZw8r-2BgTajqk79ATpyvPAfoJjDrRo6f5mtiZIK4MwJF9jvO_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAI7o35POSe7AAWZrzMTMx7kbiqingB8TEgt4ehJOUqYQb4nMg0PxBkJTUhllYRbZaBYW6XhjxoQTFZWQEcCdlALjXMSYFKI0Ux35vydqURcTMPOxZoyUkhfFrcJVyY-2Bjxi-2BQWYAHHvQiurLwQRu87w3sVkBRvWPSp-2BRNGARoj5wK1IIJ-2Fvejd34FdYs6MrhdEhwmoqtPsznW-2F8Vrpft6Hbn8-3D)). Queen Esther also chose to stand up for her people, at the risk of her own life, saying, "if I perish, I perish" ([Esther 4:9-16](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxxXPNpVHit5-2BPG0H6e8QLgXeb8tXpMuiym63XyFPkpANEI7sWJpkOeYs1occUii4FCV6T_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAI-2FpU6JOIM-2FYWXb7C-2BMU1TFdJrc9b3-2FOfF8ykYibFqTGo2L0GVLQXfMfzcaDiZxYoErvMGfdG-2Fp5FB4rfD5Jx1KYut2PK0eOVG9KMhN2s8RRZzM7TPTR011etDDAeBQalxXj0pSjpOHrB9ww9w2nczIMf-2BiIA03vzfhbONhG1kEtikUojc5VgXJUHVpp2Fpva5xQDJpReOz9cOUYHhelniuI-3D)). Both were instrumental in God's plan of salvation. Of course, the ultimate example of one who stood in solidarity with suffering humanity is Jesus himself, "Emmanuel, God is *with* us" ([Matthew 1:23](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxEE9arX6m0yHZZAbtNhYaDSFWhTrBD9Im33-2BRE4qCFHCeQsCUW4RM6sRko07KxB7gc8oU_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAI1MQDzOcPOs2c5qKJbA91ojhSmSnqbxJwkmC4bHRORbE98wE2-2BGwmBUon-2BG7V8s5CaZhJlJ-2Fbl43nnkM8Y4v8oSm0uozodgXQLJSTMIbyUut-2FFnbgF0sVQSbUXj4yqgKjo8w0IchwwRql987Wdf23KIE9GgD8NFmUgZ0daoglR9XFb94pKfVFPRdR6IxekW64j60dRE-2BiPJ805QV4HicM88-3D)), who, though he existed in the form of God, assumed human likeness ([Philippians 2:5-8](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxzNGX396sVFOaUcnbldjl-2BGk5ykCpwLIdfs1pJ-2B7KuD2WUrxmAnEvUrpp7oC-2FXfZeV8VG_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAI-2FrSC-2FGRcsiBWUuT6xWwVbsHD8QszDhJbu02KYMWEuMzPIF4rv7XrP7N-2F-2B5YWFa4WjzMbclDLMvGbUw6Ma0jcooaOZnPYZTf14bm3MvvJHLRfvtEF4UzeF4SV7FODKnRT2SgpCqERBv8JWghUupyY1pZ13Fzc5Z2ieiB0P5gpQuTXp1zZALOjob238H61KgmvYg5eOAqVSyk8DXIieGlzqU-3D)) and shared our flesh and blood in order to free us from the power of death ([Hebrews 2:14-15](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxfhOLPuUklFplPPD2VWbSPCeUCdndR2-2F-2B-2BpyPuWOmm8VNeKs6sriqvc5F-2BDwzYfaaItKq_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAI6DeXkjTCs2HmcRUH5ZUT1aOMHHGEEt9VzpjGElf7dwPIfmst5Kz1NvaYpphbaHtly4ATi727847wiqyHIn1Ufwe741PiCq0aZkUV4-2Bti6fvmFZqduH3g-2FZ9rBJG2ZwYNR7QnptKtWvqRQIHc-2FI7O7vKlZWL0ugK8wHyWDP1h8Znxs2C2XcFe-2BLo0Oe-2FVHWGOM8yMBgG5eZRGz6T6E4xMNI-3D)). > **Question:** Father Pérez committed himself "to walk with [and] ... accompany those who suffer." How does solidarity with suffering people fit into the gospel of Christ? **Matthew 5:10-12** *[Jesus said,] "Blessed are those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."* (For context, read [Matthew 5:1-12](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxEE9arX6m0yHZZAbtNhYaDT10oz-2B8TCAp2HAnicFzoOV2lzi-2FDCkDFIY0-2F07vyZwh4UFe_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAI6z7cbZSsu4w35w32XYRhHwbmkoULup3GSrCrhYnSyHUI-2FFIk-2F4y4egaKmt5sZ8pjXYzP2v53VvICoESpYGJ3w072CT7POxNwks3wNyKKa08Q6VIRqe-2BV2COHOY9z5xMAa5iadyJJlG5nCmTTti-2Fo-2BZ2mFJT-2F-2BuGjVAT05vlkhkp20zRQ1wEmTT1xjP-2Bs2GJEjpwGG1ckSX2qOgwKH1nVOg-3D).) The Beatitudes turn common sense axioms on their heads. Blessed are the persecuted? Are you kidding? But the apostle Peter, who once chided Jesus for talking about his imminent suffering and death ([Matthew 16:21-22](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxEE9arX6m0yHZZAbtNhYaDb1T3xdtT-2FcmsfPJNyWIj7s-2BG7CXbE7ALdUG2tfkKk6dUymG_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAI-2FX8-2Bybw2H6Eb-2F-2Bxk8qXkEMP6BSh6AJ9VuReBX8DvbvALA-2BjtF3-2BCax2Fgp2ER8TImF8A6-2F3PyyKcCB3wF-2BW0srcNaOzWZvW3rX8yMJyCaS3rKhZV6zq4almKMyJU0Ojn918pG3CgG1oavvDS-2FW7k-2F8mJVyyNdgYyhU9PYwk-2Busz5liIpJIX69U-2Bsu3MI19vhHlXNciPcab6N5U5SEDsFF4-3D)), later wrote that those who suffer for doing what is right are blessed ([1 Peter 3:14](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxwmfmBgpnTbzq00OVUGKe4DQBwbBC7hr2U8tuFAW-2BPUY55PEEJ2oSRS7n5RSqcXw3LuNq_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAI2IMvOh245JotSFK90dGcCFta3Fg5jqrgpZOXLnBo7B7k27xIGWewl-2BM65hCqTxH0gFJuko8DZv7bxpjlMXXXU3sCBUz-2FhpHH01IhRoMjHPb9rPKM0dRso9REx1fgDkGGnvnRDFzl4kdeSt4D9IlkVnZgExsHLDsNPoTs94yh2AqOsTWB85pwzi-2FnVvqaurfUaaHM6HQqKb6uZA9o8388S0-3D)) and those who share Christ's sufferings have reason to rejoice because the Spirit of God rests upon them ([1 Peter 4:13-14](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxwmfmBgpnTbzq00OVUGKe4HyD1s9hqo4Vv69-2FjwCVE5FqMxBwhKmfCWI4xt7-2FOfLb5MXO_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAI4-2B4hy28Q7Ve1idryAjlGFfMU5xbj1PTqIsluyrKiSmloCAcn8Ynwcq00zgI3C1LYzqXBI-2F2UMIsGIxA3qb3YEg3Z-2BBtPEE91EOo0wPkU8SXLATPkzun7ZjNgQxcLbC991kCfLNEKiHeYzUoBU65oPuyb08BfzsOuQW3eKbKa63JHOe3Io21cnsLQYQZd475-2BGD3qagi6ZR7g35wdGoq61g-3D)). Paul wrote something similar in his letter to the church at Philippi, when he calls it a privilege not only to believe in Christ but to suffer for him as well ([Philippians 1:29](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxzNGX396sVFOaUcnbldjl-2BIbrNw6Q-2B-2FXMks1T-2BP2p3j2Op2HQIcNYov5bHIHODxJTuOr2_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAI4synwdJ45WKiwos7PdHrYvCS2RNSlUa1q0cP4fdAyYYyREXvLRnbcuiUJrU-2F04dU5QrSo8V43ty9rSUMEmc2Le0ff85xrbgSaOzJMTNCuWFIWs3BO335qmx04qfsKx0BDiGC7jAV0HMCyj-2FMUwDPaBwuZUpbHILnazNOr0KuIr0wiJvt7SiCd-2F5ACfpb5B3R7EBVMCWHmTsERr6m-2Fnq3eI-3D)). > **Questions:** What do you suppose changed Peter's mind? In what way are those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness (justice, doing what is right) blessed? Why is it a privilege to suffer for Christ? What is the nature of the heavenly reward promised to those who are persecuted for this reason? **Acts 20:24** *But I do not count my life of any value to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the good news of God's grace.* (For context, read [Acts 20:17-25](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxVzOHvKctHas0RN01OZN3ku7SAo7kOpsQZSy7VV3H1-2FxPExVByJOrV9vw9DWYlnw80HWa_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAI4nDVVCMya4xcFjSscMVApJiu0GzIsadAKvI6vAckwGlupKRQvV60aWM3bgwTl3xW8kxyMF4A-2B0PCuy1H4ko0XvWORpsjvIc-2FrFJLeHIL0zFJQS69B8SdjcFZNZ38LgVrguUZ9BGGI6km6IB8ujLSJ8RAgKsPikWPft3prt4OO0sGcy86-2FF200cVE46vB6YiB6MBOABpseDDOK-2Bk0G7L30E-3D).) Paul, who had presided over the assassination of deacon Stephen before he met Christ on the road to Damascus, was so changed by the encounter that he was prepared to die for the Savior he had once scorned. Luke tells us that as Paul made his way to Jerusalem, he told the elders of the church at Ephesus that he didn't know what would happen to him there, only that the Holy Spirit had repeatedly told him to expect imprisonment and persecutions. Later, when the prophet Agabus publicly confirmed that message, Luke and other people tried to persuade Paul not to go to Jerusalem, but Paul would not be dissuaded. In fact, he said that he was "ready not only to be bound but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus" ([Acts 21:8-14](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxPznLL6hmvSL0pjYZcFHQ-2BMOxkkSS90wKqX8somPxgfeze5-2FYPJ3yb6dtCrsCr5b8NlWK_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAI1rCbWXEdsmF-2BOMFdj30HBgcK0YWElTcwV50cT-2FAKF8W0CZVjT6cYiNSW61GTo5138KC9A3X8LYYjASLHrzLRNSqRjcojKNU4-2B62KpSXJSsSbeG0jpciqcGxCrZrC0iFOlZqESEdAMc-2B8rH5AySYWF0Ux8rWdj-2BhO9x3tjYWwt-2FjhWeIIj7Z6L-2BitMr4Kh5ClrK1IcYcLirsqOjPVyx48-2BU-3D)). > **Questions:** How can testifying to the good news of God's grace give your life such value that you would be willing to die for the name of the Lord Jesus? How are you testifying to the good news of God's grace? **For Further Discussion** 1. What can we learn from how biblical figures reacted to persecution in these passages? * [Daniel 3:16-18](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxTHBpP10iVPollgWVFvvw6TnFL3-2B5-2BcMi-2F70WslUOhL1aIzzqNG3H9bHZ-2FlM2MPEOj6lv_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAI9I8ZJBQ-2B9r5-2FfWe17XDhY4bYJTeD0d5sV2v5bmDAACoWNw3MdxQEA10uTqU3rLZVVSRrDlZZyiRpD5p2hSa-2FLEWeIBLEBYHV2hDZBJseuCU0m0q7EqvZyr8BMoALMhxTWY4-2FEZv-2BxfriLXmO0g6V-2FHqfI3VrrfxV3SlDi6y-2B1xG1QgGcCNO3LtYtBqnJb1Ek2lVZVbrK-2FQRg5F-2FjV0LaLw-3D) * [Daniel 6:6-11](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxR3XppY8F6xpxZlAmuBXzC2Bd24d3uJnhFReEzr8b4ONr60U-2FxIEI-2Bxu7QvTjEWUkTIH6_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAIz7Ko0-2BvGqNO-2FvvrUwRPBFXJtgkeodERhGFE4iDfKtmAdScIJ5KFe7-2Bohqgl4CivbqpvE8QDmk63a5cviXGukzOxU-2FVeBJunZ0H2UAv55icevJDlRITnN7697vsZgR3yWqOyDu9Q2uL8El2T6gxZZYEuW-2B7oBCnmOL-2FzqcsWmum6pQD-2BtVlQse73p02MoA-2BPKHBJIL0NVL-2FlKnhiZHv8lfo-3D) * [Mark 6:27-34, 41-46](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxyiFhJQqgKSXvwv6AmIspdauAwd2Eziw-2BwKeF09H4COl2sZq7LC6HdPJnmaU10S5mwR81UWjj9OvKcESBUKU2tQ-3D-3Dk9PU_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAI2bANXfSaa1aRVp08iwCKa3gvVEPO3C1DMpGDKvFgdKbv2b8rb0tk6rfI3xv9Zi-2FNpMn9EPQLLulNhIXiLDaJax-2Bx8Mrm60XnHohxXjjNwvPL5FvVV2cUZPAZr4MDepzVUQW07Urm0cviQf1LF7BhaIc91Qwg0A62EB1K5qM10E3efzMC9lrbB1PYyfZLnHguw7MvfPD75Aua3kEqSFf1nI-3D) * [Acts 7:59-60](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzx5-2B1XOCnZaY4lxNvPqcfvs-2FhNDXTGGGf7KtEaMlr3Gu9o2Z1zjYg5TwTZkPbANwEhjLIT_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAI7p5Gk-2F1eNj6N1LPGkjfuYAxy4si6Zd2JKZBy1s8SX9nNx8XjXELDT4iFVxIYaTMRK4nAAmAgrrazQhPhzKvtYq4jGa84gmyjCFeqEhpWxw7o-2FjEy1YAm44rYTEgZwOYLezowZpsAXmx-2FeJfEBgCFXpNQEWY4w-2FNLnlaBIk6YDTfoI75-2BGJ4r-2F3RnAPYmG95FpVwpZ21SbRBKZIANxEQyLM-3D) * [Acts 8:1-4](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxbEfTEnRDr7jego5lnS6S7s4-2Fw5V4tVkP7uzi9lva-2BD6ldN-2BDkTL8XXvDayPgMrGg2DSG_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAI3va7Cn5N4OayXGtVcMxoMOSUI8Z3qaF2JHm6Ga-2BJc5rSBTtUrZogitPgp6I3f-2BBm0FgiFTgkHQolLp9CgsldbQXmO-2BZNXYpZPEbA7HMJcXMTc7x5c-2Bn4awENYeU-2BzS7npLb8PfI7sVrYaOIyfcO3-2FrZ7Iz3RzSSQL9Dutwb3Aq2eF8YeCk5r048Nhqof-2B-2FCJj2Zd92RzNAi-2FlA3G6RoZD0-3D) * [Acts 12:1-5](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxKbdTOoi9zMVovJQINirCSHaMc-2BTFPINiPQpZ-2FqS-2Fgm4bNNZtGYEF2Vv-2F9jhyE1LZ8yNQ_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAI4OTU5s76c7R-2F9mrrsjVUmCpNyw66VPwD9uvFCtgXjlYAwvucy5yM1nU8ijF46MDi9yo2ETmtKA0bE94HPjyb4VBYZZ7eHmux8UHqGcIhIAa7HJbBRsix7D6cq6rpc8yCp-2BW9YcguCtiJxiIC0KonouikJsqFIq-2BCIxHKOljXSWkUKkjrYFmTnX5Xo2IUW9emM-2BzgKvg9Ed1X9AW8cPD26w-3D) * [Acts 13:50-52](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxDVkCctavpENb-2BvQevwAGqxC0mhVEEETmBNFH0g0R6OPgDv8UfbmXbKUPXsBUC-2Fvd6gpK_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAI9VG80dZ4oh7our2QGcSWaSOD8IplbQO4q-2FCfZq603Om2zjSUzLrmxFS-2F-2FURNWpU-2Bvw-2B-2FRyph-2BWLPOq9mJQ5THm-2FGXyFadwX6lVX6MrRD0NQD4iOInLIj7Xa-2BP0yNTBJkkh5Tsg-2BPwfqeO5btKe3T-2FoYozselmFAGltVqTTmedVwg3I4UtErEnXnGGGXXJPXRsVU9RcqI6ZuphoP5N924Lk-3D) * [Acts 14:5-7](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzx8tq0zHgQkhVHUzLw7ejHGbsH9l2GkPUR-2FuREbSLYfgV3coo7zit0K60X3ZYXbXiLIBWL_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAI9mIfnYlz8NfzIIHa1oYJt667jRJj27oQleZST2i6NaICXS4caj-2FvN7dSIQPmqvpU5VpxwGPfuYAILoEQdug40HFGej-2FJVwittvKTZvnBJubC9PJJmEl3TAZLCXUEHxLq-2BNstnIsyTyJD6XpNs-2B5bSwTswrnedS33iIDmv0zuyiYZ5wvGQUwBDyGmnnoYLmS-2FINKDwADfM7-2FaNoX-2F5fkjWw-3D) * [Philippians 2:17-18](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxzNGX396sVFOaUcnbldjl-2BAqJjUjQ8jstaWZNEYYOym0UzmaLE3Kw8jHCgSmnO-2BUu2kVg_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAI1GYCoc8ENymVGsxc0NglHLh1i2Exw5hZuppwbH-2BjT-2F75NOPWs3wK43IEFu4eLYu18SyyEmnOI597kybzNlKv8RTGDpRFSGUmHUdeLhCh0sdJcB7IG0PFkkfkNAtS4YetbdBuNevPC-2FugiBQj-2BSO9bMNZvO61BLfIjZPrfzh-2BovpF3r8b-2B28CuEUlhz-2Fm4Hy5Y0E7KzubXWgQ4xRFaQB8Ro-3D) 2. React to this reflection written by Christine Eber of the nonprofit [*Weaving for Justice*](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPPpznUcBpdgdydwBwszplw6Ksm8KEgHWvna3reUFA4ehErN0_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAI2IluazNGnyNmvKWKBZQawUMg8Cq19yiKWGT1oYLrDCFdzzTv-2F-2FO6zDjfK6gHu7-2BI-2Batk30xwbbuPRixGC7WKJovv-2BcdvFHyRgS-2BdwrdfVqK1vWrTr-2FYv7-2F8CBF7K73-2FUPfIsjOqco1OlFlthNBH8zFRVHLKmTnlq2YVBg7StJXQUAOUloyOpagB-2F7VfL8ywU2viylnxme-2FepC9QDnRg3cc-3D), which supports Mayan weaving collectives in Chiapas. Eber described meeting Father Pérez on Father's Day in June 2017 in Simojovel, Chiapas: "Padre Marcelo ... gave me a big hug, ... and ... held my hands and asked almost tenderly, 'Have you eaten?' I was moved by his words because they were not what you would expect to hear from a priest, but instead from a mother or someone who cares about you. And indeed, that is what Padre Marcelo does, he cares about and for thousands of people. That means he cares that they have their most basic needs met -- potable water and food to eat. He knows what it is to be hungry and go without water." 3. Respond to this: "All the words of Jesus are very revolutionary; that's why they killed him," Pérez said in an interview for *Voces en Lucha*. "The defense of the earth is fundamental, it has to unite us all if we want to save humanity." "Through his prophetic voice, [Pérez] made people see and reflect that the land is ours and that we have to defend it from the exploiters' hands. Because that is the future and the life of our children and it is very important to take care of it because it is our life, we belong to the land," said teacher Pascuala Vázquez, spokeswoman of the Chilón Community Government Council. "He made us see that we are in the midst of an injustice," Vázquez added. "That it is very important to raise our voices for our people. ... that another path is possible to live in harmony with Mother Earth and also as brothers and sisters." **Responding to the News** Many churches observe an International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church on the first Sunday of November every year. If you have not already done so, you might want to set aside a special time to highlight the needs and sacrifices of persecuted believers around the world, in solidarity with those who are suffering for Christ. Here's [one resource](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPNuxPSy3HQxDmK6iDP1XY5gE-2B8ZWih3K9xw-2B4kq1SAtk43L5ccuLi1-2Bsrbx1tZIcDw-3D-3DkEo6_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAI5N3TzZPtAqmWGNOJ3sJsmk-2Fe0uk-2F4WG8TOxuKYpk5n1lgMwuqa7n-2BJN7S9M9QZwL-2FO4ZIdJJ1bixoF-2FkwtQfABlXjnl0gJ1fBUVUK9qUWiq-2BpA8kIwKr-2BwU6-2BC4hsojt71Nn6KEzH6eOWPbgFMNvVuTolPLmN6qPSej0dviEypSdIjE7LLAHXdADcTHHID1c3ul-2FjNhYOs-2BHisajIHledQ-3D) that can help you plan such an observance. **Prayer** suggested by [John 16:33](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxxRMgP-2BMZTq2hLjCFHQ09sWCtyneReAnSrUtYri-2BqSrM-2Fg21YAQMUHd5ZMAFS51ZdYpkv_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAI78oHvMDuA4ToqI7vgShmBaxiJNiy-2BmW-2BzeE-2FLIF3UqmZCOiw6J4BDgEMxzTjSC-2FyOT9fNLe4fySlrqL0uz9lQe4trC1lIU2Ifli3pyaZwzI4htiFQU3VoORLzLH8fllIijCnz0nUWnQZF-2FEAxT3Y-2BVRz7m5IBXZRhMF3l07gFFpOieMVBeSqWMBN3-2F6XHrOMK5vLqefRHRoMf4JCKhXObY-3D); [Romans 8:35-39](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxShxcpNB-2FkdjnrumusYgJUELxRTvPHolGhJ8O-2B8eDYTVfEkoIW8c-2FxH2Mz1ND2uN0iv9B_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAI417iQ-2FqV-2BGn7IPJ5SnDjPbEACFF9WYna9DC2XdBq9zocLNtzAJt1FR1PFp1uF8-2F3PVySvJ4V1DsLQDjkqMz6D7yJtjA2CGf8LrP6ccLulW3E2fFNuEYUOB37ElUVI6HG-2F4k0ZeEE6PkPWaCw1iUCtuTqUTdkuNhBmcQU5PntBzQ5GHm7NaLCWhtc6PhgFE0toRh-2Bpiaxk6qNyRjFNVT-2FJQ-3D); [2 Corinthians 4:7-15](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzx5N3asDrM8aLtAZM6HVDt1Tq9IrKKbtkEVAaG436Q52YjtI8Mc3i8nFDs4U8wr-2F26A4n3_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAIy2xy9v0pJiQ8nvEY-2FWWay00cLZrkLqDTZQrz-2B1dCq-2FjIupaRoaSX-2BC-2B838R1-2F7eRzyTEjxWsypcV1KY1KP8mW3-2B1j1E46udlTTStxbUzVR8kdAbMMyTTV4-2BGr8a72JcYvdc-2Bf9KxEOEhDyPofDn31hFkpYvw-2FqWwiZefDAVDP1qckyKx58rW7c3swvHzoWXrpESLSB7mHpLO6xsX9Gglk0-3D); [John 10:28-30](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxRz3iQC9PEm6eqV3kxjZnkUHg7EBV43DS7ncVhrtBPgTZduoBfQmDlFUDziDywsIeyqdN_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAI0OLeS-2B-2Fv4B1-2FQmkRrWEavMncloXAd5MeDP6brBQx85eEivgj0QHjpQC7WFzrfEkQA2sVZZt-2BVKWPUCJA44YoRFICsYmHCHy3WFrte8O9ieyqbkJxdpnC5IWEjgmkO2IgxvYrJnqR4gCjmXde7BUlrE3XALFiZ0Z6RnOwTUMMPjhsS6129wPd9IDWB-2Fu4-2F3BiGIBPwg8xux0-2F-2B5gLtUviSQ-3D); [1 Peter 3:13-18](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxwmfmBgpnTbzq00OVUGKe4PrlibLqAjx02S3GKWF8b03ysgRIv7n-2FGyJE0uQ2Ysy9nMya_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAI-2BVN06q0e1C4tktiI8QXfKUU0WKOTNA5VRpZJyfUkHQVHLosKslBafmdc2bwGY1pklUVzaoLiNk17kCfg513SXaTKEDz-2FHM8ttSq7-2BzdG-2FNid4HduyD0r1mbZOlfAY33dBElNwk2veIKC-2B4fSkGhyljyoCAQyBs1FmB-2FhKTOaFYYpfYfH3U0tXyxCtRVB1Dt-2Bj8EbBHaKHD-2FM-2FyYXdUzJFM-3D); [1 Peter 4:12-19](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxwmfmBgpnTbzq00OVUGKe4JhDrxErIWo4mz-2BNOj56XY5XnOeO-2BI98KyZbnCrR-2F-2BMTXHZk_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAI-2BR-2FzrEaj-2BU-2BfrN6-2BP3ViCwpbFTytKTqR3ecT-2BkiPHU7bCBJoxlDfInKlownLPzsAz4R16r4cbCMCrPH0rEgAjwqoZeoO32GP73yNo0wgm9TsA1fCX19udI35jzcacKqwZ53mKJnd0f1Sn1fc-2BMC-2Fj3XZ2FbHvAUTYWZxjlunVm4StEN-2BDL4cHoXjRr-2BYSb5ph1JWQs3whhjx-2FGrV6zCx98-3D) Loving God, when we face persecution, turn our eyes upon Jesus, who has conquered the world and in whom we have victory over despair, courage to face every challenge, and peace that we are held safe in your hands. And even if we suffer for doing what is right, help us to continue trusting you and doing good, by your Spirit's power at work within us. For your glory. Amen. **Copyright 2024 Communication Resources** [Unsubscribe From This List](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/asm/unsubscribe/?user_id=14323725&data=rx0haXrranaaq5qd4wXaihu5lEyOI4pfoB2NhoObIoFoMDAwdTAwMMSfuQi02KX_YOhGoLVTHj-CnQ8rs2vf8X7otHagj76ggYJGymGJolZpaqIL8TTh39rYTTG0vuq4zyL9yMjXMGcJgH26MCeJ6JpL4JGXU3AIGAlarXuM3W33aazsuumOsReZp0WzN3l0_td2zp91RzPCngeWg1THd--47fFjwMKVm69Hi8COIC67J3c-cbNsuLyY--_JbNMSZeAByYw8ZVxag1lE0sRmyEIQZgtQXteQ9K1Ko-IfQP0YqmEgzdqxGAXEGMYXWsVs6KZEjPmsjbaHJGvm8Kx3fvtsYFS9QBMQWy3bVSYwhsyyHwliztQXr4tQ0ybfLXVv5vCaJ1sYNIrM-C0fhAr2JrWpbDhOLpA8BRaTdOrnBTskqelgmvtyNmqJtlsonzE2IkNVHDHC0vk7LKt1RZsmuik515s7yqP4QLZ4iWk-XJYbkDgHH3SkoZsefVd2-2NTCDaLQoCzrYg-p7lLgBbN-WZHSMTgB-GugZ3lseCAkZkaYUWfc81NWeDTbI-IwSkg5DFQpVo6bi_Cma235WNKbgJpWc7hJLRyD1SL3s_qkFjDW1qbBDWLvKbpn-MNQNHX3WSwNbFsnz8=) <div>Dear Class Members, Our lesson this week uses the recent assassination of an indigenous Mexican Catholic priest to discuss persecution and the price of living out one's faith. <img alt="" src="https://www.thewiredword.com/\_img/tww\_logo\_email.jpg"/> Mexican Priest-Peace Activist Slain The Wired Word for the Week of November 17, 2024 In the News Fr. Marcelo Pérez, 41, an indigenous Tzotzil priest with Mayan heritage who served the San Cristobal de las Casas diocese in Chiapas, southern Mexico's poorest state, was shot dead by two assailants on a motorcycle Sunday, October 20. He died in his van after celebrating Mass in the barrio of Cuxtitali. The Catholic peace and justice activist, who worked for two decades to stem violence fueled by drug cartel rivalry, had suffered beatings, damage to his car, arson at the parish house where he lived, false accusations, multiple death threats and plots to murder him. An arrest warrant was in place at the time of his assassination. Church officials had transferred Pérez several times in efforts to protect him from his enemies. According to the U.N. Human Rights Office, Pérez was the seventh human rights activist killed in Mexico in 2024. Amnesty International reported in 2023 that rights activists and indigenous land defenders face high levels of violence and intimidation as part of a "broader strategy of disincentivizing and dismantling advocacy for land, territorial and environmental rights." In September, Pérez told Mexico's news outlet Aristegui Noticias: "Chiapas is a time bomb. There are many disappeared, many kidnappings, many murders because of the presence of organized crime. ... Against this wave of violence, we seek peace." Although he implored the people "not to fall into the temptation of revenge," and sought to calm tensions after acts of brutality and terror against them, Pérez was accused of inciting communities to violence when their anger and grief turned destructive. Mexico's two largest criminal syndicates -- the Sinaloa and the Jalisco New Generation cartels -- have been fighting for control of a lucrative route that runs through Chiapas which is used by drug smugglers, human traffickers, migrants and arms dealers. Thousands of people have fled for their lives to escape the violence. "We are living something similar to the times of Jesus. The Romans had no mercy. The narco has no mercy," Pérez said in 2022. "Chiapas is becoming a cemetery and we have to stand up for the simple, poor people." The priest said that when he was transferred to Simojovel in 2011, "people started coming to tell their pains, the deaths. There I discovered that the criminals have agreements with the authorities and complaints provoked threats." Pérez said the 1997 Acteal Massacre, in which 45 Tzotzils were murdered while they prayed, gave him "light" and "converted" him. Heartbroken by the pain of survivors who had lost entire families, he was determined "to cry with those who cry, to suffer with those who suffer" and, especially, "to walk with them ... accompany those who suffer." "I was afraid but I could see that in Acteal the people are free," said the Father. "I am a pastor but the sheep are very brave." "I feel a divine call to defend life, no matter the personal cost," Pérez commented in an interview with the Indigenous Peoples' Rights International. "Even if I have to give my life so that others may have life, I am very clear that this is the mission that God has given me. In that sense, I am not afraid of offering my life or going to jail. Wherever I am, I will continue to work for the defense of life. I give my life to defend life." "If they kill me, it's a scandal; but if they kill a peasant nothing happens," Pérez said. "If it helps to give my life, here I am," he said. Under this verse from the prophet Isaiah 52:7 ("How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace"), the Tzotzil team of the Diocese of San Cristobal de las Casas wrote to Pérez in 2021, "Your testimony strengthens us and encourages us to continue walking, accompanying our people. We value your thirst for justice, the search for peace and reconciliation." More on this story can be found at these links: <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPM-2FRIsQIFR9Y-2BHYLQXmWu50-2BNW-2B8iH19X-2FHJVtejDFC60t0e4JGY6ejH1I4SqZnFtTVpodhA65OB6gCGKJtDAbgqqsZJ3rcxl0ieM-2FSE8ZJS2bQByvVzqF2dlwvPSwljt-2BOiOHc5Lr-2BZMTGXXCP7vAWTI5h4LIL2wft3eHo-2FOAWu9fkM\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAIxB1kODM21lWjCOi-2FgaLCqJu-2B6kU73va8p2pIfuo-2BEHaw5BU3sJnqid-2FSWdy9mUVgPzctgX5qb4DMHICzj079gDBSFhoJrLofOTXH0-2Bijv6CVX1ui4smemGzMpQgquLWKqSPyueSpjJWyTm0gcY7H5tJRvObNhI7cHz-2B4M7WBggQG1IRV8ypM0IR9eDDSgerN3KUNUXIL9lRYvDdEL1O1Wo-3D">Catholic Priest, Noted Human Rights Defender, Assassinated in Southern Mexico. </a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPM-2FRIsQIFR9Y-2BHYLQXmWu50-2BNW-2B8iH19X-2FHJVtejDFC60t0e4JGY6ejH1I4SqZnFtTVpodhA65OB6gCGKJtDAbgqqsZJ3rcxl0ieM-2FSE8ZJS2bQByvVzqF2dlwvPSwljt-2BOiOHc5Lr-2BZMTGXXCP7vAWTI5h4LIL2wft3eHo-2FOAWuS96O\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAI2p2nwtG1V6SwqSckrBPejibKHJTo8z3-2F-2BnIKk7iZgXFr-2Fw9zXXEWzsz-2FVcJErZQhuZwY8AqgOe0uR3LG41CmHGRPRM0jEdb2D34QTdJL14Tud6yzTQcJfSiyUZ-2Bo1Tzz4l84qf8UlCrGnDItzSxsjp2-2B99-2FzVn-2B7XbEjfPWFA5herrHen-2FQBcg7H9NCPiV2te8NVWdP74xGSQCHo9iBsgU-3D">Los Angeles Times</a> <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPPhz4kbGdHyiM58f8XjV4-2B48wG-2B4K69oSY9G-2BglQQsL-2FhmYM\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAI8HmvEuX2zzWPhD7FvPRb9PPVTCRuGEMQ7JCzhT8xF9N8ZIOqzVw5qm6IEmTfRUQ86EpSpo-2B-2FO-2FBrUAK0mnxvJeG-2Fb2IuoYWqcg9ESX11A-2FiEy76mxxHszfRKQwOqM5zIYcuX7-2FG9RAVnOudS2hufe-2BNp7AJT73KlcXNLgT3bGqwBICXPdJrERaXPgN-2F4opl8ceWUp29f3vGSkQ8JABqHe8-3D">Hundreds Mourn Catholic Priest and Indigenous Peace Activist Killed in Southern Mexico. </a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPPhz4kbGdHyiM58f8XjV4-2B48wG-2B4K69oSY9G-2BglQQsL-2FlV7W\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAI5hEIw-2FZz2QYDRAQCXzWtOTpneLxqb7ZrCFT9gdpgNuShorIKcuo4IvpuBz5U5CDfklPoGjVqb4oOPVPid6jkXe8oQdsFIhrbToyn7BB-2Bz5QMEBBCFvuZvsQZ-2BhCKkXly3x4O1nnRGleV82qiKJp669X-2FSHU5faVGPfS-2FkZec9Nf9-2F5Ji7-2BD7eRfDG7kZ6DqSvAIpp9ly-2Fr8a77vJ8SS-2BCw-3D">Associated Press</a> <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPKCx8GSkEJmg18gqWluYZ2B-2FQA7jhbmfvj151eGB8KoRnThlYo-2FyirDOyCp-2FpJP92JfBbchyAJaVt7Qkhg97yok-3DaRny\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAI2tCYQZrP9Di5WhLMCRXLXe4zJA3fB-2F-2BJ4OHBvvZi9W4gISiavHpTqkaXiVV3-2BXYfTUdEhHNN1Egz9VOEjG5N54IFgRvqFwbcvmpZetpTKXUiBPWvjtyKvHcntGurWY4biLPgxwnBd-2F9Ftq2e3urMRCwlTQdccWjeJy2pzDUw2eEzTUviN-2BspmI3uBhOJTbmN-2B84A2SSfWgdW7280ZVAtNQ-3D">Father Marcelo Pérez, Messenger of Peace. </a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPKCx8GSkEJmg18gqWluYZ2B-2FQA7jhbmfvj151eGB8KoRnThlYo-2FyirDOyCp-2FpJP92JfBbchyAJaVt7Qkhg97yok-3DdZhy\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAIw-2F-2BO0quNiXecXu-2B1RvdPpKvISxObBT1qnHQAAYpjFsRuCvfPWCTigwDJRvAroV4w0g1H12tZJ-2F-2BtCDeUjrTKCg9FEKfxQ7E-2F20RTHdZ1-2Fdksy-2FAlY507mrEq2ZWBLcxOiwfasPesHgPPqrPv2oa-2FWHNdf0WWH-2B4j9-2FsUO5-2F-2Bu3Za-2BE-2FuqMG51jbiAWhW2rLXe4vPNtQ7baGN17gsFioUSk-3D">Schools for Chiapas</a> <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPKLIaVW5oc3B-2FiwT30wFuArBauS70X9dZczDusRpKzEcpgXgex3v2z50Nh4-2FSJ6tyjX3CpQwqueDkU54QUBayud-2F26MINE30ngxQ3XZplYDh4cgxaNL9XqT9-2FSJp9q6rr5NMgtfJvMCIcf4CibHSMyw-3DYwTZ\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAI2ZLXDxm6y-2F6-2FfS1-2BDP1lO6BXXaTDxj9yucEK6AVHG8yTMextI-2Bb3Ql1AikabTj0QcIDJfCKxfAod0bKjPI6vwkboLP1jUHTUr3zXP5AGiabgc1WrGFK5nVTbu3RSZkHJcmGs27sfkRurOPLZL5biPWLXEq27woF3yiRNn7szfSW-2BMfA2cTwBtFWcEdzt8Yz5Ifl1hb8tlgHf-2ByThOHHj3Q-3D">Mexico III. Father Marcelo: "The Earth Groans the Pains of Childbirth." </a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPKLIaVW5oc3B-2FiwT30wFuArBauS70X9dZczDusRpKzEcpgXgex3v2z50Nh4-2FSJ6tyjX3CpQwqueDkU54QUBayud-2F26MINE30ngxQ3XZplYDh4cgxaNL9XqT9-2FSJp9q6rr5NMgtfJvMCIcf4CibHSMyw-3DcPiL\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAI1qgJsUsEFQvvsVzLuIfiVfXT4eulEufGEZ-2BI8fqTom8qVaXttmVfClbMnD88gPmgLUzi8CAKpmvNTI7Sz71UaDyr49-2BSJWNsp5K0DCisVo7XfxEkO-2Bc-2B1nNW3OwVHAtjLr-2FLWAb0teAt5HtBHe4RYPl9EEqHLLUwIv8im7YQmGHGa1zvn-2FFNf4TPwMPNZAIf8EyJ6VuVdjs1Oi-2Fq2yrQXo-3D">Chiapas Support Committee</a> <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPJ9oAs-2BmFpJ1VczB7ZcYXf1hUJlRh22tGBv0MV1vgJzx8LQ8-2BA28JQtsmNZUwKzMiQzysuYmBSj6JjYKHQDKbVh1JiFMmL-2BuR2dKGLulaR3OnERbDPBsXePlVyO-2B-2FHc-2F4vDByLzdMlrl8oZjzLi4w28-3DmWmq\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAIxRR67A-2Fk0f2iRjhYytOu9VlIRPCHyLK911ZbSGe70aUMY9XEFH1uHDl-2BhQMxVAVZSH5ygkvxEm64qjzTfAy0eRGdY4Fx1jcXu1GnxgZr-2FqsNoU58B3DdfhuJobFwhuCs9i1nTJnMKFc1xMT363F1RQDXh3dJW9lqZWJwk0YEhJYAp04Bi3tpNPFgeRy-2BM-2FbZKO1P1oeADA207xYrCzJdh8-3D">Priest Shot Dead in Southern Mexico After Leaving Sunday Service. </a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPJ9oAs-2BmFpJ1VczB7ZcYXf1hUJlRh22tGBv0MV1vgJzx8LQ8-2BA28JQtsmNZUwKzMiQzysuYmBSj6JjYKHQDKbVh1JiFMmL-2BuR2dKGLulaR3OnERbDPBsXePlVyO-2B-2FHc-2F4vDByLzdMlrl8oZjzLi4w28-3DhEV6\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAI0WmOHK8IQJhhNmieSJW4XfEpQRPyuAVH719RCJ3ylCg7ulNijfVzufbURWOjGQzDnFBbwd7R-2F46n4CcWAGJkyxeLocaZ1ZqFLoZiG2O-2BFCDE7wixeHs-2F6VsLS36BOTtczEXSm14wGNKDvv0w29-2BmbC2n8slxbw-2FxuB8RonOztrpaf94gIFj2CufFnspkXHIFbMAdk6CBXjLiSc0LiPiAEw-3D">Al Jazeera</a> Applying the News Story The Bible doesn't pull any punches when it comes to talking about persecution. Jesus said his followers should expect it (<a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxEE9arX6m0yHZZAbtNhYaDTa7awVnp6xue9JTSKOXUA6IPVrvmlGPzqt5qJPLeERWVCBH\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAI7-2F4V1nPV5p5N9P-2B5YVRazf2STimQ4e9WRPQq-2BtddplM70FO9ciNAqOCCISo1OkP2zLXq9AMOhZuVmw0W2AXDsBydW2YtsCKQQ3mJyTSQYI-2Fg0Hjb3WJv5aQ9dUUlRlk5d7YujZFYk-2BCZL8O9Jpk8QdVxm2JG0iirPbBNAZft8zCeHMjZ-2F-2F6Q1kZdBnIAC8QgmWA4BBs-2BEpFesj7sPFaIfU-3D">Matthew 24:9-10</a>; <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxT4PTUfd6hE6df7lW-2Bu8M6aZF4NfXysvvT4ekE1V-2FCy2CkeHZUIx04iWzBVwmHDeymCFn\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAI0WCBhXEYIasLtQ44MthVpEvuFaB1I16nO5rORXdvG-2BFHfDwIhNUrwTJYng4JOWM-2FqxQsn-2Bs5Y7pLXNcCrnkMwLclMBCBUOw8fk5ph6q1m-2BObqKWTUUbSeQiHv1vmenh6b3Qv27k2mpbhZKMDKfvR4xhGDyDw7kNSfNI0AzzcBLuhvk7yDkZPk4c-2B09F6fr5EyteiE-2FwlZFJ-2FyMmCop1E9o-3D">John 15:20</a>; <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxxRMgP-2BMZTq2hLjCFHQ09sWCtyneReAnSrUtYri-2BqSrM-2Fg21YAQMUHd5ZMAFS51Zd5TBv\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAI87E-2BNMaYbGfRGguByd-2F82dhMKRegc6bXd3r2iUAIl7XwL-2FCL2IpfgOzjvNCQb-2BwlOB3vxq36upTGGcLM0VIPJLrHd-2Be-2Fo74BNH9bnVlCQDMWN9-2BYrp1vEeep1xtyAYe5W7pPx7RpOIp1ZnHJgxB-2FaofuE9JcieleNBEAQ0XE3mUhcWu59nvJ-2FVHrFhx-2FYrp1cfbmBz6bC6vVAXkhqJ6o6U-3D">John 16:33</a>), for if they persecuted him, they will persecute his disciples as well. After Paul recounts his many persecutions to Timothy, he states that "all who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted" (<a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxCB6Biq-2Bhf2lG2oReWih72vmsFdSnTfwQnDjlJZL28oZEI0JsHhvuNwKivHlE42kDTHJb\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAI7QGSCHVjj2g82qPOXc-2FuNjxGveWY-2Ff5MhsY2skeHTRCKsqgByb2LLWQ3AW60xqbg-2BXoZv0wF-2BeXF3lGw1wvho2yvgJ7XtnaE311UukMVE3AiiTkLPTgYxvPFRV5GfBvbhYvAkBysx-2BVpnIS9ZgnlUX4pAFtDXOWafXQ6qpm7-2B5qk-2BPqRsSdozuh8CGsQGdTb0WPtxNQ8w4-2B7Jr-2FvgmvcPE-3D">2 Timothy 3:12</a>). He and Barnabas taught new believers, "It is through many persecutions that we must enter the kingdom of God" (<a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzx8tq0zHgQkhVHUzLw7ejHGQcyCP4i8ngmPhAW-2F5V67B1pwWXcJ0Ua727-2BMrzNCtSP4k7w\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAI9nTYDQ8pTFsMnjDmtQNbfpNjfK7gcECyhicxCkiCc6JeK5LC4g9LBUBs3SSNzFDQTMhVjozUapDNdGKeZbyGdnpFB2Ask8phenyo3e2uQtjsT9pzJg9ys7UQ8IZQvcol-2BDYj6ZgoucKtMmfiOegpqWfbs9r1P8Mc56MQYU35XWqxumdGpnxqnp7zhEzFEluZfDSp9hTDVKGEjjWjUVXvtU-3D">Acts 14:22</a>). Peter also advises his readers not to "be surprised at the fiery ordeal ... taking place" in their midst, "as though something strange were happening" (<a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxwmfmBgpnTbzq00OVUGKe4H-2Bgm2XrwHrrgFoNMOveZnK5JXxBizVNhgLY44f79RCAIDO-\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAIzjcIt5G6KtZ7jD2QhHyMS8QSHdWnLredjjnExHka9ugeZyTKEtSlQ4G0DGHPdLq697-2BzC9vdjvF0zEgFIzMnzC7A3bk65T32rh3B3kdc9vw6I6GlQ8Bq8f5HVt9S8W1jFiaAuzbyXGtaTaQ2P04eggKq4Sq6W1PMcPYbe-2FaYHZ9hAjZ0d44igFTwnhBg9gJX-2B8byYRCGM5dQO37dyw0v7E-3D">1 Peter 4:12</a>). But God also promises those who suffer for Christ will receive blessings of salvation, the crown of life, the kingdom of heaven and great reward in heaven (<a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxEE9arX6m0yHZZAbtNhYaDYQ3hS9Xq34tofXevf7Ny-2FpbptDYVc9aXJbENEzWkXl7-ysu\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAI4ooyGKDctRWHC4ARA71puxMTMywJ6bH9B5XY1aK1nQZXifojC4oxvndqe-2Ff3Ep-2FM1nzQBiVvTbG1UNoAsvs5lAlfX-2FaqVUnqWcAqZ9hOy-2B2Zx3v8IUmkZLhJwzVy68h0MZ1e03uZqSxCxj0rncfmXxZATdm927aA0dKcuRuHoWbYbLuRZznMV9ppvMmkczBB4v5Ufx-2Ft75I-2FW6sBwaX4SY-3D">Matthew 24:13</a>; <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxL76PkgLnT0ZbDRKTq4JIBDNCyfc-2BbA88blrlRD-2BZL3TAZxn8wQW2BS577puNIWKoXQsE\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAIzj5AUQjimwz5DWHb9aM7OvC5-2Bd91kBj9C1zME52fxGHyaatz-2BUIjcHa3Q3UbGxYYDElGNYJxmuhoACuKXNbJ4zNmyR5719tzfIiEj9DAkjfsemhi2aGdMYWxvejN0cTJ9S2YZYUey2igEmI3dSaiMKbcESMDySxHdEjMav5PNO4chY-2FHlJwtkvwuTWF5N2vHIusnC75-2BDsbcL-2FpgZXopMs-3D">Revelation 2:10-11</a>; <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxEE9arX6m0yHZZAbtNhYaDVvKMU9M1W-2F9latAxvs1BZZQi9GPUFcDKeMY7kua6M4GTWRd\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAI9Zw08aEoG-2B-2BBkUW-2F1mHYPU0Dog9xAOr8AKHSmEDbdIDgAScC49NAMb5aCWKgha9NITTh-2BDmqZOsLnFhbsHs6CQdd-2BQ9GorD5HeI9sq9QO1SBdEah-2FFGbchHdhxrGi3P8NT3c4mlsmTHLVlB7EEQRur2IsOcCnyoSF-2BIvjqOsVZSHoZ6P432GmqJPwzXT6c8yXlQrbz0wvZ-2FMqEIrTtO-2FNw-3D">Matthew 5:10, 12</a>). The Big Questions 1. What happens to a church when the prevailing teaching promotes the idea that followers of Christ should expect to experience only privilege and prosperity rather than persecution and pain? 2. How would you define "conversion"? How does your definition compare/contrast with the way Pérez experienced it in the news article above? 3. In the news, the people's bravery gave Pérez courage, and his example, in turn, strengthened the people. Whose example strengthens you? And who do you hope to encourage by the testimony of your own life and words? 4. How can Christians prepare themselves for the possibility that they may be asked to forsake Christ and their faith, or suffer persecution if they refuse? 5. How might "standing up for simple, poor people" be consistent with the way we live out our faith? Confronting the News With Scripture and Hope Here are some Bible verses to guide your discussion: 2 Chronicles 24:21-22 But they conspired against [Zechariah], and by command of the king they stoned him to death in the court of the house of the LORD. King Joash did not remember the kindness that Jehoiada, Zechariah’s father, had shown him but killed his son. As he was dying, he said, "May the LORD see and avenge!" (For context, read <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxwnJbmnGzo41h7rOIXLifKoaI1Sn-2FJqn6A59h3NvYBN4nB3NZqHyL4ZHbTON6NcEMq0SdQkgB-2BkpMMxeaxKk9YA-3D-3Dk50d\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAI-2BMjsolAsxTIYAVUfltoVRsyZt3-2Fp8X-2Fs1SyerPunanklO-2FQ5QhLV9TuhkJK4sL7j3l3Mfa00B8B49lCfbxSWmbDzrNInWdyu6ttmmzGNLmBC94hp3AtuFgvAHejUaWPfbc5wbwdH-2Fie9eqG2E-2F04Z0NuZ7njTS3tvJY56uaXzOGVejuB7F-2B7dLzR9d9taXL-2BzSFBD5Uzn6oSzkBPxO9ldM-3D">2 Chronicles 24:19-25</a>.) King Joash restored the house of God, under the tutelage of Jehoiada the priest. But when Jehoiada died, Joash was led astray by officials of Judah, who abandoned the worship of God and served idols instead. God sent prophets to bring them back to the Lord, but they would not listen (v. 19). Jehoiada's son, Zechariah, called the people out for their transgression of God's commandments, saying that because they had forsaken the Lord, he had also forsaken them, and they could not prosper (v. 20). This incident serves as a warning that those in power cannot rely on their religious heritage or pedigree to protect them from God's judgment if they abandon God's way. A small army from Aram (the land now known as Syria) defeated Judah's superior military forces and sent all the spoil to Damascus, before withdrawing, leaving Joash severely wounded. His own servants, outraged that the king had ordered the assassination of the son of Jehoiada the priest, who had been so kind to Joash, killed their master on his bed, and denied him the honor of being buried in the tombs of the kings (vv. 23-25). <blockquote> Questions: After years of living uprightly, why did Joash go off the deep end so horribly? What was missing in his life? What guardrails do we need in our lives to keep us on the right path of honoring God and treating others the way they should be treated? </blockquote> John 11:7-8, 16 Then after this [Jesus] said to the disciples, "Let us go to Judea again." The disciples said to him, "Rabbi, the Jews were just now trying to stone you, and are you going there again?" ... Thomas, who was called the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, "Let us also go, that we may die with him." (For context, read <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxm710weIZqGHxzbXNCbplKeeESinpL4zDhvthDZ9sX4neGLTUOPNdTzWpH8z5l9cH4smr\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAI-2FRRb4ZdOuHU0elfSwsW6gUG6T82OuPRsH4bIjZ-2FwVYPW-2B0yuYvEzqZ2HlBlsxxlwyruuZCw1R0FWUQRUh8T6fUSyH4k93AIVZ-2FlS-2FZaAdYgkxMi9LvjkUrup5HUcF42nlK5RGRECT5bZ428LytdnOOhndKIY5jGY665fvIr1zzo3SzbTQfrafoAfgmT8ukZ2zzpQ833mSYmV9FMIpTAmWY-3D">John 11:7-16</a>.) Most of us associate the word "doubting" with the disciple Thomas, because he wanted proof of the Resurrection before he could believe it. But when Thomas thought Jesus was in danger, he was ready to share his fate. Perhaps we should call him "devoted Thomas" instead! Two figures from the Hebrew Scriptures stand out for their willingness to stand in solidarity with people who were endangered and suffering: Moses, who was raised a son of privilege in Pharaoh's court, chose "rather to share ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He considered abuse suffered for the Christ to be greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to the reward" (<a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxfhOLPuUklFplPPD2VWbSPMZw8r-2BgTajqk79ATpyvPAfoJjDrRo6f5mtiZIK4MwJF9jvO\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAI7o35POSe7AAWZrzMTMx7kbiqingB8TEgt4ehJOUqYQb4nMg0PxBkJTUhllYRbZaBYW6XhjxoQTFZWQEcCdlALjXMSYFKI0Ux35vydqURcTMPOxZoyUkhfFrcJVyY-2Bjxi-2BQWYAHHvQiurLwQRu87w3sVkBRvWPSp-2BRNGARoj5wK1IIJ-2Fvejd34FdYs6MrhdEhwmoqtPsznW-2F8Vrpft6Hbn8-3D">Hebrews 11:24-26</a>). Queen Esther also chose to stand up for her people, at the risk of her own life, saying, "if I perish, I perish" (<a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxxXPNpVHit5-2BPG0H6e8QLgXeb8tXpMuiym63XyFPkpANEI7sWJpkOeYs1occUii4FCV6T\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAI-2FpU6JOIM-2FYWXb7C-2BMU1TFdJrc9b3-2FOfF8ykYibFqTGo2L0GVLQXfMfzcaDiZxYoErvMGfdG-2Fp5FB4rfD5Jx1KYut2PK0eOVG9KMhN2s8RRZzM7TPTR011etDDAeBQalxXj0pSjpOHrB9ww9w2nczIMf-2BiIA03vzfhbONhG1kEtikUojc5VgXJUHVpp2Fpva5xQDJpReOz9cOUYHhelniuI-3D">Esther 4:9-16</a>). Both were instrumental in God's plan of salvation. Of course, the ultimate example of one who stood in solidarity with suffering humanity is Jesus himself, "Emmanuel, God is with us" (<a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxEE9arX6m0yHZZAbtNhYaDSFWhTrBD9Im33-2BRE4qCFHCeQsCUW4RM6sRko07KxB7gc8oU\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAI1MQDzOcPOs2c5qKJbA91ojhSmSnqbxJwkmC4bHRORbE98wE2-2BGwmBUon-2BG7V8s5CaZhJlJ-2Fbl43nnkM8Y4v8oSm0uozodgXQLJSTMIbyUut-2FFnbgF0sVQSbUXj4yqgKjo8w0IchwwRql987Wdf23KIE9GgD8NFmUgZ0daoglR9XFb94pKfVFPRdR6IxekW64j60dRE-2BiPJ805QV4HicM88-3D">Matthew 1:23</a>), who, though he existed in the form of God, assumed human likeness (<a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxzNGX396sVFOaUcnbldjl-2BGk5ykCpwLIdfs1pJ-2B7KuD2WUrxmAnEvUrpp7oC-2FXfZeV8VG\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAI-2FrSC-2FGRcsiBWUuT6xWwVbsHD8QszDhJbu02KYMWEuMzPIF4rv7XrP7N-2F-2B5YWFa4WjzMbclDLMvGbUw6Ma0jcooaOZnPYZTf14bm3MvvJHLRfvtEF4UzeF4SV7FODKnRT2SgpCqERBv8JWghUupyY1pZ13Fzc5Z2ieiB0P5gpQuTXp1zZALOjob238H61KgmvYg5eOAqVSyk8DXIieGlzqU-3D">Philippians 2:5-8</a>) and shared our flesh and blood in order to free us from the power of death (<a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxfhOLPuUklFplPPD2VWbSPCeUCdndR2-2F-2B-2BpyPuWOmm8VNeKs6sriqvc5F-2BDwzYfaaItKq\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAI6DeXkjTCs2HmcRUH5ZUT1aOMHHGEEt9VzpjGElf7dwPIfmst5Kz1NvaYpphbaHtly4ATi727847wiqyHIn1Ufwe741PiCq0aZkUV4-2Bti6fvmFZqduH3g-2FZ9rBJG2ZwYNR7QnptKtWvqRQIHc-2FI7O7vKlZWL0ugK8wHyWDP1h8Znxs2C2XcFe-2BLo0Oe-2FVHWGOM8yMBgG5eZRGz6T6E4xMNI-3D">Hebrews 2:14-15</a>). <blockquote> Question: Father Pérez committed himself "to walk with [and] ... accompany those who suffer." How does solidarity with suffering people fit into the gospel of Christ? </blockquote> Matthew 5:10-12 [Jesus said,] "Blessed are those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." (For context, read <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxEE9arX6m0yHZZAbtNhYaDT10oz-2B8TCAp2HAnicFzoOV2lzi-2FDCkDFIY0-2F07vyZwh4UFe\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAI6z7cbZSsu4w35w32XYRhHwbmkoULup3GSrCrhYnSyHUI-2FFIk-2F4y4egaKmt5sZ8pjXYzP2v53VvICoESpYGJ3w072CT7POxNwks3wNyKKa08Q6VIRqe-2BV2COHOY9z5xMAa5iadyJJlG5nCmTTti-2Fo-2BZ2mFJT-2F-2BuGjVAT05vlkhkp20zRQ1wEmTT1xjP-2Bs2GJEjpwGG1ckSX2qOgwKH1nVOg-3D">Matthew 5:1-12</a>.) The Beatitudes turn common sense axioms on their heads. Blessed are the persecuted? Are you kidding? But the apostle Peter, who once chided Jesus for talking about his imminent suffering and death (<a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxEE9arX6m0yHZZAbtNhYaDb1T3xdtT-2FcmsfPJNyWIj7s-2BG7CXbE7ALdUG2tfkKk6dUymG\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAI-2FX8-2Bybw2H6Eb-2F-2Bxk8qXkEMP6BSh6AJ9VuReBX8DvbvALA-2BjtF3-2BCax2Fgp2ER8TImF8A6-2F3PyyKcCB3wF-2BW0srcNaOzWZvW3rX8yMJyCaS3rKhZV6zq4almKMyJU0Ojn918pG3CgG1oavvDS-2FW7k-2F8mJVyyNdgYyhU9PYwk-2Busz5liIpJIX69U-2Bsu3MI19vhHlXNciPcab6N5U5SEDsFF4-3D">Matthew 16:21-22</a>), later wrote that those who suffer for doing what is right are blessed (<a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxwmfmBgpnTbzq00OVUGKe4DQBwbBC7hr2U8tuFAW-2BPUY55PEEJ2oSRS7n5RSqcXw3LuNq\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAI2IMvOh245JotSFK90dGcCFta3Fg5jqrgpZOXLnBo7B7k27xIGWewl-2BM65hCqTxH0gFJuko8DZv7bxpjlMXXXU3sCBUz-2FhpHH01IhRoMjHPb9rPKM0dRso9REx1fgDkGGnvnRDFzl4kdeSt4D9IlkVnZgExsHLDsNPoTs94yh2AqOsTWB85pwzi-2FnVvqaurfUaaHM6HQqKb6uZA9o8388S0-3D">1 Peter 3:14</a>) and those who share Christ's sufferings have reason to rejoice because the Spirit of God rests upon them (<a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxwmfmBgpnTbzq00OVUGKe4HyD1s9hqo4Vv69-2FjwCVE5FqMxBwhKmfCWI4xt7-2FOfLb5MXO\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAI4-2B4hy28Q7Ve1idryAjlGFfMU5xbj1PTqIsluyrKiSmloCAcn8Ynwcq00zgI3C1LYzqXBI-2F2UMIsGIxA3qb3YEg3Z-2BBtPEE91EOo0wPkU8SXLATPkzun7ZjNgQxcLbC991kCfLNEKiHeYzUoBU65oPuyb08BfzsOuQW3eKbKa63JHOe3Io21cnsLQYQZd475-2BGD3qagi6ZR7g35wdGoq61g-3D">1 Peter 4:13-14</a>). Paul wrote something similar in his letter to the church at Philippi, when he calls it a privilege not only to believe in Christ but to suffer for him as well (<a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxzNGX396sVFOaUcnbldjl-2BIbrNw6Q-2B-2FXMks1T-2BP2p3j2Op2HQIcNYov5bHIHODxJTuOr2\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAI4synwdJ45WKiwos7PdHrYvCS2RNSlUa1q0cP4fdAyYYyREXvLRnbcuiUJrU-2F04dU5QrSo8V43ty9rSUMEmc2Le0ff85xrbgSaOzJMTNCuWFIWs3BO335qmx04qfsKx0BDiGC7jAV0HMCyj-2FMUwDPaBwuZUpbHILnazNOr0KuIr0wiJvt7SiCd-2F5ACfpb5B3R7EBVMCWHmTsERr6m-2Fnq3eI-3D">Philippians 1:29</a>). <blockquote> Questions: What do you suppose changed Peter's mind? In what way are those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness (justice, doing what is right) blessed? Why is it a privilege to suffer for Christ? What is the nature of the heavenly reward promised to those who are persecuted for this reason? </blockquote> Acts 20:24 But I do not count my life of any value to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the good news of God's grace. (For context, read <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxVzOHvKctHas0RN01OZN3ku7SAo7kOpsQZSy7VV3H1-2FxPExVByJOrV9vw9DWYlnw80HWa\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAI4nDVVCMya4xcFjSscMVApJiu0GzIsadAKvI6vAckwGlupKRQvV60aWM3bgwTl3xW8kxyMF4A-2B0PCuy1H4ko0XvWORpsjvIc-2FrFJLeHIL0zFJQS69B8SdjcFZNZ38LgVrguUZ9BGGI6km6IB8ujLSJ8RAgKsPikWPft3prt4OO0sGcy86-2FF200cVE46vB6YiB6MBOABpseDDOK-2Bk0G7L30E-3D">Acts 20:17-25</a>.) Paul, who had presided over the assassination of deacon Stephen before he met Christ on the road to Damascus, was so changed by the encounter that he was prepared to die for the Savior he had once scorned. Luke tells us that as Paul made his way to Jerusalem, he told the elders of the church at Ephesus that he didn't know what would happen to him there, only that the Holy Spirit had repeatedly told him to expect imprisonment and persecutions. Later, when the prophet Agabus publicly confirmed that message, Luke and other people tried to persuade Paul not to go to Jerusalem, but Paul would not be dissuaded. In fact, he said that he was "ready not only to be bound but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus" (<a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxPznLL6hmvSL0pjYZcFHQ-2BMOxkkSS90wKqX8somPxgfeze5-2FYPJ3yb6dtCrsCr5b8NlWK\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAI1rCbWXEdsmF-2BOMFdj30HBgcK0YWElTcwV50cT-2FAKF8W0CZVjT6cYiNSW61GTo5138KC9A3X8LYYjASLHrzLRNSqRjcojKNU4-2B62KpSXJSsSbeG0jpciqcGxCrZrC0iFOlZqESEdAMc-2B8rH5AySYWF0Ux8rWdj-2BhO9x3tjYWwt-2FjhWeIIj7Z6L-2BitMr4Kh5ClrK1IcYcLirsqOjPVyx48-2BU-3D">Acts 21:8-14</a>). <blockquote> Questions: How can testifying to the good news of God's grace give your life such value that you would be willing to die for the name of the Lord Jesus? How are you testifying to the good news of God's grace? </blockquote> For Further Discussion 1. What can we learn from how biblical figures reacted to persecution in these passages? <ul> <li><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxTHBpP10iVPollgWVFvvw6TnFL3-2B5-2BcMi-2F70WslUOhL1aIzzqNG3H9bHZ-2FlM2MPEOj6lv\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAI9I8ZJBQ-2B9r5-2FfWe17XDhY4bYJTeD0d5sV2v5bmDAACoWNw3MdxQEA10uTqU3rLZVVSRrDlZZyiRpD5p2hSa-2FLEWeIBLEBYHV2hDZBJseuCU0m0q7EqvZyr8BMoALMhxTWY4-2FEZv-2BxfriLXmO0g6V-2FHqfI3VrrfxV3SlDi6y-2B1xG1QgGcCNO3LtYtBqnJb1Ek2lVZVbrK-2FQRg5F-2FjV0LaLw-3D">Daniel 3:16-18</a></li> <li><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxR3XppY8F6xpxZlAmuBXzC2Bd24d3uJnhFReEzr8b4ONr60U-2FxIEI-2Bxu7QvTjEWUkTIH6\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAIz7Ko0-2BvGqNO-2FvvrUwRPBFXJtgkeodERhGFE4iDfKtmAdScIJ5KFe7-2Bohqgl4CivbqpvE8QDmk63a5cviXGukzOxU-2FVeBJunZ0H2UAv55icevJDlRITnN7697vsZgR3yWqOyDu9Q2uL8El2T6gxZZYEuW-2B7oBCnmOL-2FzqcsWmum6pQD-2BtVlQse73p02MoA-2BPKHBJIL0NVL-2FlKnhiZHv8lfo-3D">Daniel 6:6-11</a></li> <li><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxyiFhJQqgKSXvwv6AmIspdauAwd2Eziw-2BwKeF09H4COl2sZq7LC6HdPJnmaU10S5mwR81UWjj9OvKcESBUKU2tQ-3D-3Dk9PU\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAI2bANXfSaa1aRVp08iwCKa3gvVEPO3C1DMpGDKvFgdKbv2b8rb0tk6rfI3xv9Zi-2FNpMn9EPQLLulNhIXiLDaJax-2Bx8Mrm60XnHohxXjjNwvPL5FvVV2cUZPAZr4MDepzVUQW07Urm0cviQf1LF7BhaIc91Qwg0A62EB1K5qM10E3efzMC9lrbB1PYyfZLnHguw7MvfPD75Aua3kEqSFf1nI-3D">Mark 6:27-34, 41-46</a></li> <li><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzx5-2B1XOCnZaY4lxNvPqcfvs-2FhNDXTGGGf7KtEaMlr3Gu9o2Z1zjYg5TwTZkPbANwEhjLIT\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAI7p5Gk-2F1eNj6N1LPGkjfuYAxy4si6Zd2JKZBy1s8SX9nNx8XjXELDT4iFVxIYaTMRK4nAAmAgrrazQhPhzKvtYq4jGa84gmyjCFeqEhpWxw7o-2FjEy1YAm44rYTEgZwOYLezowZpsAXmx-2FeJfEBgCFXpNQEWY4w-2FNLnlaBIk6YDTfoI75-2BGJ4r-2F3RnAPYmG95FpVwpZ21SbRBKZIANxEQyLM-3D">Acts 7:59-60</a></li> <li><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxbEfTEnRDr7jego5lnS6S7s4-2Fw5V4tVkP7uzi9lva-2BD6ldN-2BDkTL8XXvDayPgMrGg2DSG\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAI3va7Cn5N4OayXGtVcMxoMOSUI8Z3qaF2JHm6Ga-2BJc5rSBTtUrZogitPgp6I3f-2BBm0FgiFTgkHQolLp9CgsldbQXmO-2BZNXYpZPEbA7HMJcXMTc7x5c-2Bn4awENYeU-2BzS7npLb8PfI7sVrYaOIyfcO3-2FrZ7Iz3RzSSQL9Dutwb3Aq2eF8YeCk5r048Nhqof-2B-2FCJj2Zd92RzNAi-2FlA3G6RoZD0-3D">Acts 8:1-4</a></li> <li><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxKbdTOoi9zMVovJQINirCSHaMc-2BTFPINiPQpZ-2FqS-2Fgm4bNNZtGYEF2Vv-2F9jhyE1LZ8yNQ\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAI4OTU5s76c7R-2F9mrrsjVUmCpNyw66VPwD9uvFCtgXjlYAwvucy5yM1nU8ijF46MDi9yo2ETmtKA0bE94HPjyb4VBYZZ7eHmux8UHqGcIhIAa7HJbBRsix7D6cq6rpc8yCp-2BW9YcguCtiJxiIC0KonouikJsqFIq-2BCIxHKOljXSWkUKkjrYFmTnX5Xo2IUW9emM-2BzgKvg9Ed1X9AW8cPD26w-3D">Acts 12:1-5</a></li> <li><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxDVkCctavpENb-2BvQevwAGqxC0mhVEEETmBNFH0g0R6OPgDv8UfbmXbKUPXsBUC-2Fvd6gpK\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAI9VG80dZ4oh7our2QGcSWaSOD8IplbQO4q-2FCfZq603Om2zjSUzLrmxFS-2F-2FURNWpU-2Bvw-2B-2FRyph-2BWLPOq9mJQ5THm-2FGXyFadwX6lVX6MrRD0NQD4iOInLIj7Xa-2BP0yNTBJkkh5Tsg-2BPwfqeO5btKe3T-2FoYozselmFAGltVqTTmedVwg3I4UtErEnXnGGGXXJPXRsVU9RcqI6ZuphoP5N924Lk-3D">Acts 13:50-52</a></li> <li><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzx8tq0zHgQkhVHUzLw7ejHGbsH9l2GkPUR-2FuREbSLYfgV3coo7zit0K60X3ZYXbXiLIBWL\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAI9mIfnYlz8NfzIIHa1oYJt667jRJj27oQleZST2i6NaICXS4caj-2FvN7dSIQPmqvpU5VpxwGPfuYAILoEQdug40HFGej-2FJVwittvKTZvnBJubC9PJJmEl3TAZLCXUEHxLq-2BNstnIsyTyJD6XpNs-2B5bSwTswrnedS33iIDmv0zuyiYZ5wvGQUwBDyGmnnoYLmS-2FINKDwADfM7-2FaNoX-2F5fkjWw-3D">Acts 14:5-7</a></li> <li><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxzNGX396sVFOaUcnbldjl-2BAqJjUjQ8jstaWZNEYYOym0UzmaLE3Kw8jHCgSmnO-2BUu2kVg\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAI1GYCoc8ENymVGsxc0NglHLh1i2Exw5hZuppwbH-2BjT-2F75NOPWs3wK43IEFu4eLYu18SyyEmnOI597kybzNlKv8RTGDpRFSGUmHUdeLhCh0sdJcB7IG0PFkkfkNAtS4YetbdBuNevPC-2FugiBQj-2BSO9bMNZvO61BLfIjZPrfzh-2BovpF3r8b-2B28CuEUlhz-2Fm4Hy5Y0E7KzubXWgQ4xRFaQB8Ro-3D">Philippians 2:17-18</a></li> </ul> 2. React to this reflection written by Christine Eber of the nonprofit <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPPpznUcBpdgdydwBwszplw6Ksm8KEgHWvna3reUFA4ehErN0\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAI2IluazNGnyNmvKWKBZQawUMg8Cq19yiKWGT1oYLrDCFdzzTv-2F-2FO6zDjfK6gHu7-2BI-2Batk30xwbbuPRixGC7WKJovv-2BcdvFHyRgS-2BdwrdfVqK1vWrTr-2FYv7-2F8CBF7K73-2FUPfIsjOqco1OlFlthNBH8zFRVHLKmTnlq2YVBg7StJXQUAOUloyOpagB-2F7VfL8ywU2viylnxme-2FepC9QDnRg3cc-3D">Weaving for Justice</a>, which supports Mayan weaving collectives in Chiapas. Eber described meeting Father Pérez on Father's Day in June 2017 in Simojovel, Chiapas: "Padre Marcelo ... gave me a big hug, ... and ... held my hands and asked almost tenderly, 'Have you eaten?' I was moved by his words because they were not what you would expect to hear from a priest, but instead from a mother or someone who cares about you. And indeed, that is what Padre Marcelo does, he cares about and for thousands of people. That means he cares that they have their most basic needs met -- potable water and food to eat. He knows what it is to be hungry and go without water." 3. Respond to this: "All the words of Jesus are very revolutionary; that's why they killed him," Pérez said in an interview for Voces en Lucha. "The defense of the earth is fundamental, it has to unite us all if we want to save humanity." "Through his prophetic voice, [Pérez] made people see and reflect that the land is ours and that we have to defend it from the exploiters' hands. Because that is the future and the life of our children and it is very important to take care of it because it is our life, we belong to the land," said teacher Pascuala Vázquez, spokeswoman of the Chilón Community Government Council. "He made us see that we are in the midst of an injustice," Vázquez added. "That it is very important to raise our voices for our people. ... that another path is possible to live in harmony with Mother Earth and also as brothers and sisters." Responding to the News Many churches observe an International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church on the first Sunday of November every year. If you have not already done so, you might want to set aside a special time to highlight the needs and sacrifices of persecuted believers around the world, in solidarity with those who are suffering for Christ. Here's <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPNuxPSy3HQxDmK6iDP1XY5gE-2B8ZWih3K9xw-2B4kq1SAtk43L5ccuLi1-2Bsrbx1tZIcDw-3D-3DkEo6\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAI5N3TzZPtAqmWGNOJ3sJsmk-2Fe0uk-2F4WG8TOxuKYpk5n1lgMwuqa7n-2BJN7S9M9QZwL-2FO4ZIdJJ1bixoF-2FkwtQfABlXjnl0gJ1fBUVUK9qUWiq-2BpA8kIwKr-2BwU6-2BC4hsojt71Nn6KEzH6eOWPbgFMNvVuTolPLmN6qPSej0dviEypSdIjE7LLAHXdADcTHHID1c3ul-2FjNhYOs-2BHisajIHledQ-3D">one resource</a> that can help you plan such an observance. Prayer suggested by <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxxRMgP-2BMZTq2hLjCFHQ09sWCtyneReAnSrUtYri-2BqSrM-2Fg21YAQMUHd5ZMAFS51ZdYpkv\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAI78oHvMDuA4ToqI7vgShmBaxiJNiy-2BmW-2BzeE-2FLIF3UqmZCOiw6J4BDgEMxzTjSC-2FyOT9fNLe4fySlrqL0uz9lQe4trC1lIU2Ifli3pyaZwzI4htiFQU3VoORLzLH8fllIijCnz0nUWnQZF-2FEAxT3Y-2BVRz7m5IBXZRhMF3l07gFFpOieMVBeSqWMBN3-2F6XHrOMK5vLqefRHRoMf4JCKhXObY-3D">John 16:33</a>; <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxShxcpNB-2FkdjnrumusYgJUELxRTvPHolGhJ8O-2B8eDYTVfEkoIW8c-2FxH2Mz1ND2uN0iv9B\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAI417iQ-2FqV-2BGn7IPJ5SnDjPbEACFF9WYna9DC2XdBq9zocLNtzAJt1FR1PFp1uF8-2F3PVySvJ4V1DsLQDjkqMz6D7yJtjA2CGf8LrP6ccLulW3E2fFNuEYUOB37ElUVI6HG-2F4k0ZeEE6PkPWaCw1iUCtuTqUTdkuNhBmcQU5PntBzQ5GHm7NaLCWhtc6PhgFE0toRh-2Bpiaxk6qNyRjFNVT-2FJQ-3D">Romans 8:35-39</a>; <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzx5N3asDrM8aLtAZM6HVDt1Tq9IrKKbtkEVAaG436Q52YjtI8Mc3i8nFDs4U8wr-2F26A4n3\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAIy2xy9v0pJiQ8nvEY-2FWWay00cLZrkLqDTZQrz-2B1dCq-2FjIupaRoaSX-2BC-2B838R1-2F7eRzyTEjxWsypcV1KY1KP8mW3-2B1j1E46udlTTStxbUzVR8kdAbMMyTTV4-2BGr8a72JcYvdc-2Bf9KxEOEhDyPofDn31hFkpYvw-2FqWwiZefDAVDP1qckyKx58rW7c3swvHzoWXrpESLSB7mHpLO6xsX9Gglk0-3D">2 Corinthians 4:7-15</a>; <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxRz3iQC9PEm6eqV3kxjZnkUHg7EBV43DS7ncVhrtBPgTZduoBfQmDlFUDziDywsIeyqdN\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAI0OLeS-2B-2Fv4B1-2FQmkRrWEavMncloXAd5MeDP6brBQx85eEivgj0QHjpQC7WFzrfEkQA2sVZZt-2BVKWPUCJA44YoRFICsYmHCHy3WFrte8O9ieyqbkJxdpnC5IWEjgmkO2IgxvYrJnqR4gCjmXde7BUlrE3XALFiZ0Z6RnOwTUMMPjhsS6129wPd9IDWB-2Fu4-2F3BiGIBPwg8xux0-2F-2B5gLtUviSQ-3D">John 10:28-30</a>; <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxwmfmBgpnTbzq00OVUGKe4PrlibLqAjx02S3GKWF8b03ysgRIv7n-2FGyJE0uQ2Ysy9nMya\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAI-2BVN06q0e1C4tktiI8QXfKUU0WKOTNA5VRpZJyfUkHQVHLosKslBafmdc2bwGY1pklUVzaoLiNk17kCfg513SXaTKEDz-2FHM8ttSq7-2BzdG-2FNid4HduyD0r1mbZOlfAY33dBElNwk2veIKC-2B4fSkGhyljyoCAQyBs1FmB-2FhKTOaFYYpfYfH3U0tXyxCtRVB1Dt-2Bj8EbBHaKHD-2FM-2FyYXdUzJFM-3D">1 Peter 3:13-18</a>; <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxwmfmBgpnTbzq00OVUGKe4JhDrxErIWo4mz-2BNOj56XY5XnOeO-2BI98KyZbnCrR-2F-2BMTXHZk\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmVQLu-2FtD2GzsyZeYY8YPJoq9MI8cXxx8iudqZoH95DIKt5CfGlRLsjPeTWJe8dOAI-2BR-2FzrEaj-2BU-2BfrN6-2BP3ViCwpbFTytKTqR3ecT-2BkiPHU7bCBJoxlDfInKlownLPzsAz4R16r4cbCMCrPH0rEgAjwqoZeoO32GP73yNo0wgm9TsA1fCX19udI35jzcacKqwZ53mKJnd0f1Sn1fc-2BMC-2Fj3XZ2FbHvAUTYWZxjlunVm4StEN-2BDL4cHoXjRr-2BYSb5ph1JWQs3whhjx-2FGrV6zCx98-3D">1 Peter 4:12-19</a> Loving God, when we face persecution, turn our eyes upon Jesus, who has conquered the world and in whom we have victory over despair, courage to face every challenge, and peace that we are held safe in your hands. And even if we suffer for doing what is right, help us to continue trusting you and doing good, by your Spirit's power at work within us. For your glory. Amen. Copyright 2024 Communication Resources <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/asm/unsubscribe/?user\_id=14323725&data=rx0haXrranaaq5qd4wXaihu5lEyOI4pfoB2NhoObIoFoMDAwdTAwMMSfuQi02KX\_YOhGoLVTHj-CnQ8rs2vf8X7otHagj76ggYJGymGJolZpaqIL8TTh39rYTTG0vuq4zyL9yMjXMGcJgH26MCeJ6JpL4JGXU3AIGAlarXuM3W33aazsuumOsReZp0WzN3l0\_td2zp91RzPCngeWg1THd--47fFjwMKVm69Hi8COIC67J3c-cbNsuLyY--\_JbNMSZeAByYw8ZVxag1lE0sRmyEIQZgtQXteQ9K1Ko-IfQP0YqmEgzdqxGAXEGMYXWsVs6KZEjPmsjbaHJGvm8Kx3fvtsYFS9QBMQWy3bVSYwhsyyHwliztQXr4tQ0ybfLXVv5vCaJ1sYNIrM-C0fhAr2JrWpbDhOLpA8BRaTdOrnBTskqelgmvtyNmqJtlsonzE2IkNVHDHC0vk7LKt1RZsmuik515s7yqP4QLZ4iWk-XJYbkDgHH3SkoZsefVd2-2NTCDaLQoCzrYg-p7lLgBbN-WZHSMTgB-GugZ3lseCAkZkaYUWfc81NWeDTbI-IwSkg5DFQpVo6bi\_Cma235WNKbgJpWc7hJLRyD1SL3s\_qkFjDW1qbBDWLvKbpn-MNQNHX3WSwNbFsnz8=">Unsubscribe From This List</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/wf/open?upn=u001.ri3TO7QGEXgsxcVdo6-2BoAGTuuWiDEfH5lVjP7AVQ-2Bcl7JaDKdeJ1ydQkXpTFAEqRD2SOncm40jgMuVls37ZLseTP-2Bc5kaLjFJf1Q3kw4FZdt1YoCkYWvLa1l-2BT-2F-2F8yIUiLbFHrmn64p2Xwmffzl3edR6Ty8TRKnThBIufHec6MYr94WZQxWVvMWvfNqNZdVSm2JpSP2sJuJ7h3Z8Ne0G7v5-2B063dUmF99sFR2YerjiPrUaZ5-2Bg2yhdrpkdmVGvozOady8TcbRwmfcO3kYPbPvQ-2FUteSSpPBt2OXvljFosHc6wwhI8g69408vOfKrXwzJ4tolB4cO-2B5T2nbJ0CewjO5yzO-2FogcSrVBmEf7Uby1b8eWsJTYNT7I7K2JA34sY5cBQkyaHsYuZfEgULf-2BTD4rglUM4DDAUh1BWOP6iLnIF0w-2B3dZcsvAkHuvYlpUy7xrYfyj-2FD-2FaSpxDVKZtkd3Ls3WsJdl6e7osFBAcdYsFKrA-3D" style="height:1px !important;width:1px !important;border-width:0 !important;margin-top:0 !important;margin-bottom:0 !important;margin-right:0 !important;margin-left:0 !important;padding-top:0 !important;padding-bottom:0 !important;padding-right:0 !important;padding-left:0 !important;" width="1"/> </div>, The Wired Word for 11/17/2024, The Wired Word, 01jcp0rdhcq011a7yws16x5mdq.