Persecuted, but not abandoned…

Brothers and sisters:
We hold this treasure in earthen vessels,
that the surpassing power may be of God and not from us.
We are afflicted in every way, but not constrained;
perplexed, but not driven to despair;
persecuted, but not abandoned;
struck down, but not destroyed;
always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus,
so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our body.
For we who live are constantly being given up to death
for the sake of Jesus,
so that the life of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh.
So death is at work in us, but life in you.
Since, then, we have the same spirit of faith,
according to what is written, I believed, therefore I spoke,
we too believe and therefore speak,
knowing that the one who raised the Lord Jesus
will raise us also with Jesus
and place us with you in his presence.
Everything indeed is for you,
so that the grace bestowed in abundance on more and more people
may cause the thanksgiving to overflow for the glory of God. 2 Cor 4:7-14

 
We pray, fast and give alms in solidarity with the Christians who are in great peril. We pray for their safety, we pray for the world to take notice and render aid.   May their witness strengthen us all “so that grace is bestowed in abundance on more and more people.”  


The Anchoress Elizabeth Scalia has more to say, links to read, things you can do:
Expelled Iraqi Christians Give Witness to Isis Fascism:
The Isis effect: "Flattened ; Everything is gone."
5 Things You Can Do Right Now