The founder of my religious community, Fr. Judge, instructed us to “pray for opposition; pray particularly for opposition from good people.” I never understood that admonition. Shouldn’t we be praying for support? What Fr. Judge had in mind is the example of the scriptures. In the Old Testament we find opposition to “the just one.” Let us put him to the test that we may have proof of his gentleness and try his patience. We know that from the gospels that Jesus experienced opposition. “Is he not the one they are trying to kill?” We learn from this that following the will of God will not be measured by success or by approval — unless, perhaps, it is the approval of those on the margins.
