The Holy Innocents, Martyrs
1 Peter 4:12-19
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that is taking place
among you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.
But rejoice insofar as you are sharing Christ's sufferings, so that you
may also be glad and shout for joy when his glory is revealed. If you are
reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the spirit of
glory, which is the Spirit of God, is resting on you. But let none of you
suffer as a murderer, a thief, a criminal, or even as a mischief maker.
Yet if any of you suffers as a Christian, do not consider it a disgrace,
but glorify God because you bear this name. For the time has come for
judgment to begin with the household of God; if it begins with us, what
will be the end for those who do not obey the gospel of God?
And
"If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinners?"
Therefore, let those suffering in accordance with God's will entrust
themselves to a faithful Creator, while continuing to do good.
