Blessed Are the Persecuted: Finding Courage During Advent and at Work
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:10).
Trying to live Advent as a Catholic often can feel like you are being persecuted. Let’s face it, before all the Halloween candy is eaten, the Christmas trees are already up. People are already starting to shop and plan for their holiday events.
Meanwhile, we Catholics are trying to keep Advent as a time for prayer and reflection as we wait for the coming of Christ. We aren’t just worrying about all the decorations or checklists, but we are using this time to pray and reflect on Christ. This Beatitude reminds us that following Christ often means standing firm in our values, even when it’s uncomfortable or unpopular.
During Advent, we remember that Christ’s coming turned the world upside down. Mary and Joseph faced misunderstanding and hardship for saying “yes” to God’s plan. They had hard decisions to make. In this season, we remember the struggles and sacrifices along the journey that lead us to the joy of Christmas.
Challenges at Work
In the workplace, it can often be really hard to be a good Catholic. Often, our boundaries are pushed by coworkers, employees, clients, or vendors. The workplace is full of gossip and competition. When we are under pressure, it’s really easy to lie so we don’t miss a deadline and suffer consequences.
As a business owner, I have had to make hard decisions not to work with clients who go against my faith. It just doesn’t feel right to me. But it also means an awkward conversation and a loss of possible revenue.
Sometimes, feeling like you are being persecuted at work isn’t about the actual work but the way you live your Catholic faith. I remember at my very first job, I worked with some wonderful Christian people. But they did not understand my Catholic traditions. Every year, when Lent rolled around, they didn’t understand why I couldn’t eat meat on Fridays. Or why I wanted to leave early during Holy Week or on Good Friday. I even remember vendors coming in and asking why we were working on Good Friday. After that experience, I was always impressed when companies gave everyone Good Friday off. In recent years, I have made my own rule where I don’t work on Good Friday, and I really use it as a time of prayer and fasting.
If you’ve ever felt like the “odd one out” for holding Christian values at work — for being the one who prays before a meal, who refuses to cut corners, who believes kindness matters — take heart. Advent reminds us that God is near to those who suffer for righteousness’ sake. The light is coming, and it shines brightest in the dark. God knows our hearts and knows that we are doing the right thing for him. We need to be proud of our good decisions even if they make us feel unpopular and looked down upon by others in the workplace.
Reflection: This week, ask yourself: How have you felt persecuted in the workplace, and how has it made you a stronger Catholic?
Pray: Lord Jesus, you faced the ultimate persecution for our sake. As we wait for your coming, give us the courage to follow faithfully, even when it costs us. Help us to see that what we gain in you is infinitely more valuable than what we lose for you. May our faithful waiting be a witness to your worth. Amen.
Beth Anne Kaczmarczyk is a cradle Catholic and wife who is passionate in helping others in her community with her husband through the Knights of Columbus. She has been a QuickBooks Online ProAdvisor for over 10 years and runs her own Bookkeeping firm at BethAnneBookkeeping.com. She is passionate about helping small businesses understand their business finances so they can have less stress and grow their businesses. You can connect with her on her website, Instagram or join her monthly newsletter to receive a Monthly Bookkeeping Checklist!