Psalm 11 and June

While listening to the "Bible in a Year" podcast, the psalm for today was Psalm 11. It seemed like a well timed reading for today, considering what many celebrate in the month of June, being Pride Month. In the opening verses, we read:

"In the Lord I take refuge; how can you say to me,

'Flee like a bird to the mountains; for lo, the wicked bend the bow, they have fitted their arrow to the string, to shoot in the dark at the upright in heart; if the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?'" (Ps 11:1-3)

This struck me, because recently Christians, especially Catholicism, has been under persecution and literal attack from various groups here in the USA. From attacks on pregnancy centers after Roe v Wade was overturned last year to ludicrous arrests and treatment of people "violating" the FACE act (see: Mark Houck), to the various displays of sin during "Pride month", it could be easy to see the words of the Psalmist being echoed by us. The wicked have taken their aim at the upright for many years, slowly eroding the foundations of faith and family, which seem to be nearly destroyed. What can we as followers of Jesus do?

It is encouraging to see parents, families, and other Church members speaking out against these injustices. As the beginning of the Psalm says, "In the Lord I take refuge." This is our hope: as Christians, we know how the story ultimately ends. The Psalmist echos this in the second half:

The Lord is in his holy temple, the Lord’s throne is in heaven; his eyes behold, his eyelids test, the children of men. 
The Lord tests the righteous and the wicked, and his soul hates him that loves violence. 
On the wicked he will rain coals of fire and brimstone; a scorching wind shall be the portion of their cup. 
For the Lord is righteous, he loves righteous deeds; the upright shall behold his face. (Ps 11:4-7)

Throughout the gospels in the New Testament, Jesus continually echos the fact that persecution will happen in this life. In the Sermon on the Mount found in Matthew, we see Jesus call those who face this blessed:

“Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so men persecuted the prophets who were before you." (Matt 5:11f)

While it is certainly difficult to speak out, especially in this month of June, we cannot cease in proclaiming the gospel. For Catholics, it can be an encouragement to know this is the month we celebrate the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This seems a fitting counterpoint to the rest of society which chooses to celebrate the chief of the seven deadly sins. Even if we cannot do anything directly, we can always pray and offer penance to our Father through Jesus, knowing that in the end, God's will shall be accomplished no matter what the enemy hurls our way. The gates of hell will not prevail over the Church and its assault. Amen.