Pope says Christians should embrace persecution as source of blessing

Published: 2007-01-10

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The Christian community and its members always will face persecution and suffering, but they should embrace it as a source of blessing, Pope Benedict XVI said. Speaking at his Jan. 10 general audience about the ministry and death of St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr, the pope said the persecution of the early Christian community is what pushed the disciples to leave Jerusalem and bring the Gospel to the world. "Even in our lives the cross, which is never lacking, becomes a blessing," the pope said. And by accepting suffering in the knowledge that it will lead to growth and blessings, "we learn the joy of Christianity even in moments of difficulty," Pope Benedict said. St. Stephen, he said, "teaches us to love the cross because the cross is the path Christ always uses to arrive in our midst."

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