You are going to be criticized. After all, if they criticized Jesus they certainly are going to criticize you. And the critiques will come from those closest to you. It was Jesus’ relatives and friends who “took offense at him.” At Thanksgiving one of the national magazines offered some suggestions on topics to avoid in order to have a happy holiday table. The knowledge that we are going to be criticized should not prevent us from sticking up for the gospel values in the face of opposition. Because we are Christians we feel obliged to look after the immigrants and refugees, to respect life, to promote justice and peace for all people. If that provokes criticism, even from those closest to us, so be it.
