Have you ever felt unfair persecution like Jesus and Paul?

When he entered Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself,

with the soldier who was guarding him.

Three days later he called together the leaders of the Jews.

When they had gathered he said to them, "My brothers,

although I had done nothing against our people

or our ancestral customs,

I was handed over to the Romans as a prisoner from Jerusalem.

After trying my case the Romans wanted to release me,

because they found nothing against me deserving the death penalty.

But when the Jews objected, I was obliged to appeal to Caesar,

even though I had no accusation to make against my own nation.

This is the reason, then, I have requested to see you

and to speak with you, for it is on account of the hope of Israel

that I wear these chains."

He remained for two full years in his lodgings.

He received all who came to him, and with complete assurance

and without hindrance he proclaimed the Kingdom of God

and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.

~Acts 28:16-20, 30-31

Have you ever felt unfair persecution like Jesus and Paul? Both of them were unfairly persecuted and murdered, by the Jews, as the Romans found nothing against them, but they pushed to have them murdered, as they did not like them advocating for God, as the messiah and a disciple in Christ. This reading today was sad to see and read, almost hurtful. I know I have also been unfairly persecuted and mistreated, a lot in my work/profession and even some I feel in my life with my siblings and all growing up. But I have been blessed by God, and I know that and know He loves me so much nonetheless. I join the club with Jesus and Paul in that respect, I carry my cross too. Sometimes people hate, judge, persecute, or are just critical, negative, racist, and haters for no reason, a lot of times it is because of jealousy, envy, and insecurities, I know I saw a lot of that at my job and profession in the past at the university. Jealousy, envy, and insecurities will drive a lot of evil, wickedness, and hate unfortunately, unfair persecuting and condemning people without cause like in the case of Paul here in this reading and in the life of Jesus Christ as we all know His story. All we can do is carry our cross, know that God is on our side, be on the side of love, and not join the club of hate, evil, and wickedness. All any of us can do is proclaim the Kingdom of God and teach about the Lord Jesus Christ, live in love, and resist all evil, yes, things may be unfair on this Earth School journey, but they are not with God and Jesus in our Heavenly home where we can have life eternal when we decide to follow Jesus, pick up our cross, and reflecting, imitating, and loving like Him! Be bold in Christ no matter what!