“‘Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God’;
Therefore, according to the Gospel, any citizen can be a good Catholic
–that is, side with Jesus Christ and the Pope, and do good to his fellow men
–and at the same time side with Caesar, namely, observe the laws of the land, except when the rulers persecute religion or tyrannize the consciences and minds of citizens.”                                                                                ~ St. John Bosco
For Reflection:
Unfortunately, today, the exception is becoming more the rule.  St. Francis refers to this as “polite persecution” that is “disguised as culture, modernity and progress” but that actually robs us of our freedom. On this path a Christian “must suffer many times: this brings so much suffering,” he said, “But such is our life: Jesus is always beside us, with the consolation of the Holy Spirit. And this is our strength.” Thank you Pope Francis for this stark reminder but also the consolation of our constant companion and strength – Come, Holy Spirit, Come!

Experience Grace In Abundance: Ten Strategies for Your Spiritual Life NEW! by Johnnette Benkovic Pb 304 pages
Click Here For More Information:                     STRATEGY 4
SUFFERING’S GRAND ENTRANCE
Sin is also the reason why people fail to appreciate the dignity of marriage and the family–a widespread failing denounced by the Second Vatican Council:”the dignity of these partnerships is not reflected everywhere, but is overshadowed by polygamy, the plague of divorce, so-called free love, and similar blemishes; furthermore, married love is too often dishonored by selfishness, hedonism, and unlawful contraceptive practices. Besides, the economic, social, psychological, and civil climate of today has a severely disturbing effect on family life”  (Gaudium et Spes, 47).