Notes: Monday January 13, 2020

At yesterday’s 10 AM Sunday Mass, Monsignor Halloran asked, “if there were a ‘wanted follower of Jesus Christ’ bulletin posted would you be arrested?”

I meditated on that yesterday and then again, this morning.  The answer I came up with was yes.  I would be arrested as a follower of Jesus Christ.

What evidence is there for the authorities to arrest me?

Well, for one it would be that when I can I attend daily Mass and Communion and that act alone would be enough to get me arrested.  But then there is much more evidence.

I publicly attest to my relationship with Jesus Christ by the content I post on my Facebook pages and on my Blog Page.  They both contain much damaging evidence that would indict me by my relationship and association with Jesus Christ.  

Further evidence can be found in the fact that I belong to subversive groups and organizations that evangelize the teachings of Jesus Christ, e.g. a Bible study group, Knights of Columbus, Pro-life advocacy group.  

My family and friends would attest that I am a Jesus Christ sympathizer.

An examination of my online Kindle library and my home library would result in more damaging evidence in that they both contain dozens of volumes on Jesus Christ, His Apostles, His Martyrs, His Saints and His Church.

Speaking of online damaging evidence, the authorities would find online sites such as the National Catholic Register, Catholic Stand, RI Catholic, Word on Fire, Claritas University, Thomistic Institute and the Catholic News Agency bookmarked on my computer to name a few.

The evidence is overwhelming and yes, I would most definitely be arrested as a follower of Jesus Christ.  I honestly feel that is a comforting thought.

However, I’m not sure how comforting I would feel if instead of 2020 USA this was 60-300 AD Rome, 1600 Japan, 1920-41 Russia, modern day China or certain Middle East countries?  Would I have the courage to admit being a follower of Jesus Christ so readily?  

I thank Jesus Christ, Our Father in Heaven and the Holy Spirit that I am blessed to live in a country at a particular time in history that constitutionally guarantees me the religious freedom to worship Him and not worry about being arrested.   

Would you be arrested for being a follower of Jesus Christ?  What is the evidence?