January 19. http://www.tribtimes.com
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William Zambrano MD
Jan 18, 2026, 3:48:20 PM (4 days ago) Jan 18
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Tribulation Times
(Joh 15:18-20) If the world hate you, know ye that it hath hated me before you. If you had been of the world, the world would love its own: but because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember my word that I said to you: The servant is not greater than his master. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they have kept my word, they will keep yours also.
WORLD WATCH LIST 2026: The World Watch List is Open Doors' annual ranking of the 50 countries where Christians face the most extreme persecution. Explore each country profile and download the data and stories for in-depth information about following Jesus in the most dangerous places. You'll learn more about Christian persecution and discover how to stand with your brothers and sisters in prayer and action.
ACN: In Memoriam: 17 missionaries and pastoral workers worldwide suffered violent deaths in 2025
DETROIT CATHOLIC: US commission hearing focuses on persecution of Christians around globe
Although individual accounts are by now familiar to many, the purpose of the hearing, said Vicky Hartzler, a former congresswoman from Missouri and an evangelical Christian who is currently chair of the commission, was to draw attention to what she called "a dark picture for religious freedom" with persecution of all faiths by official government policy.
She called China, where the government has targeted Catholics, "a stark illustration of just how far governments will go to restrict religion or belief."
Myanmar, a country also known as Burma, prohibits all religious gatherings, she observed, and more than 200 churches there have been destroyed, with 85 clergy members killed.
Rep. Mary Miller, R-Ill., praised President Donald Trump's administration for its decision in November to officially return Nigeria to the classification of Country of Particular Concern for religious freedom violations there. The CPC designation comes from the International Religious Freedom Act and allows the imposition of economic sanctions. Trump first imposed the designation in 2021 during his first administration, but President Joe Biden's administration revoked it the following year.
On Christmas Day, Trump announced that the United States had bombed Islamist State militants in Nigeria. In a Truth Social post, he said the airstrikes responded to attacks which "have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians" in Northern Nigeria and the country's Middle Belt region.
"It's evident that human rights abuses in Nigeria" have only one purpose, and that is to extend the sectarian fighting there, said Rep. John Rose, R-Tenn. "And the United States is no longer turning a blind eye to this violence."
ANTONIO CARDINAL BACCI: The Blessedness of Those Who Suffer Persecution
1. It would seem impossible that suffering and persecution could bring us happiness. Yet we have our Lord's assurance for it. “Blessed are they who suffer persecution for justice' sake,” He says, “for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when men reproach you, and persecute you, and, speaking falsely, say all manner of evil against you, for my sake. Rejoice and exult, because your reward is great in heaven.”( Mt.5:9-12)
Not only is this true of persecution borne in defence of the faith and of the Church, but it is equally true of any kind of trouble and suffering as long as it is endured for the love of God. “Rejoice,” writes St. Peter, “in so far as you are partakers of the sufferings of Christ, that you may also rejoice with exultation in the revelation of his glory.” (1 Peter 4:13)
"It is good for us now and then," ‘The Imitation of Christ’ assures us, "to have some troubles and adversities; for oftentimes they make a man enter into himself, that he may know that he is an exile, and place not his hopes in anything of the world. It is good for us sometimes to suffer contradictions, and to allow people to think ill and slightingly of us, even when we do and mean well. These are often helps to humility, and rid us of vain glory. For then we more earnestly seek God to be witness of what passes within us, when outwardly we are slighted by men, and incur their discredit." (Bk.1, c. 12)
This is a repetition of the teaching of Jesus Christ, Who said: “If anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” (Luke 9:23)
The happiness which our Lord promises us is that which results from our own self-renewal and from the acceptance of our cross. This happiness is not easy to acquire, because our selfish and sensual impulses, as well as the insults of others, seem to be forever stirring up a nest of vipers inside us. Too often our hearts are overflowing, not with happiness, but with rebellion. How can we remedy this? There is only one way. We must love God so much that we are prepared to endure everything willingly for love of Him. Those who suffer are blessed, therefore, only on one condition, namely, on condition that they suffer for love of God.
2. Why did God will to grant us happiness only on this condition that we deny ourselves and carry the cross with resignation? The reason is that we should no longer be ourselves, but should belong entirely to God, and should no longer live our own lives, as St. Paul expresses it, but should live the life of Jesus Christ. We ought to become like Him, the Man of sorrows Who redeemed us at the price of His Precious Blood and forgave His executioners from the Cross. We must suffer, moreover, so that by our suffering we may expiate our sins, purify our souls, detach ourselves from the world, and begin to lead a heavenly life even on this earth.
We should not imagine that this will make our lives sad and dreary. On the contrary, it will fill them with the lasting joy which God sends from on high. Let us acquire the peace which is founded on complete control of the passions, on absolute dedication to God, and on the power of charity, which can overcome all obstacles. Before we can acquire it, of course, we must be enlightened and strengthened by the Holy Spirit. It was not until after Pentecost that the Apostles achieved this happiness, so that “they departed from the presence of the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they had been counted worthy to suffer disgrace for the name of Jesus. (Acts 5:41)
3. Let us implore the Holy Spirit to enlighten us and to grant us this serene joy, which is a reflection of the happiness of Heaven.
"Have ANY Catholic Question? Just ask Ron Smith at: hfmin...@roadrunner.com
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READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: https://bibleinayearonline.com/january-oyb/?version=63&startmmdd=0101
January 19, 2026(Joh 15:18-20) If the world hate you, know ye that it hath hated me before you. If you had been of the world, the world would love its own: but because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember my word that I said to you: The servant is not greater than his master. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they have kept my word, they will keep yours also.
WORLD WATCH LIST 2026: The World Watch List is Open Doors' annual ranking of the 50 countries where Christians face the most extreme persecution. Explore each country profile and download the data and stories for in-depth information about following Jesus in the most dangerous places. You'll learn more about Christian persecution and discover how to stand with your brothers and sisters in prayer and action.
ACN: In Memoriam: 17 missionaries and pastoral workers worldwide suffered violent deaths in 2025
DETROIT CATHOLIC: US commission hearing focuses on persecution of Christians around globe
Although individual accounts are by now familiar to many, the purpose of the hearing, said Vicky Hartzler, a former congresswoman from Missouri and an evangelical Christian who is currently chair of the commission, was to draw attention to what she called "a dark picture for religious freedom" with persecution of all faiths by official government policy.
She called China, where the government has targeted Catholics, "a stark illustration of just how far governments will go to restrict religion or belief."
Myanmar, a country also known as Burma, prohibits all religious gatherings, she observed, and more than 200 churches there have been destroyed, with 85 clergy members killed.
Rep. Mary Miller, R-Ill., praised President Donald Trump's administration for its decision in November to officially return Nigeria to the classification of Country of Particular Concern for religious freedom violations there. The CPC designation comes from the International Religious Freedom Act and allows the imposition of economic sanctions. Trump first imposed the designation in 2021 during his first administration, but President Joe Biden's administration revoked it the following year.
On Christmas Day, Trump announced that the United States had bombed Islamist State militants in Nigeria. In a Truth Social post, he said the airstrikes responded to attacks which "have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians" in Northern Nigeria and the country's Middle Belt region.
"It's evident that human rights abuses in Nigeria" have only one purpose, and that is to extend the sectarian fighting there, said Rep. John Rose, R-Tenn. "And the United States is no longer turning a blind eye to this violence."
ANTONIO CARDINAL BACCI: The Blessedness of Those Who Suffer Persecution
1. It would seem impossible that suffering and persecution could bring us happiness. Yet we have our Lord's assurance for it. “Blessed are they who suffer persecution for justice' sake,” He says, “for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when men reproach you, and persecute you, and, speaking falsely, say all manner of evil against you, for my sake. Rejoice and exult, because your reward is great in heaven.”( Mt.5:9-12)
Not only is this true of persecution borne in defence of the faith and of the Church, but it is equally true of any kind of trouble and suffering as long as it is endured for the love of God. “Rejoice,” writes St. Peter, “in so far as you are partakers of the sufferings of Christ, that you may also rejoice with exultation in the revelation of his glory.” (1 Peter 4:13)
"It is good for us now and then," ‘The Imitation of Christ’ assures us, "to have some troubles and adversities; for oftentimes they make a man enter into himself, that he may know that he is an exile, and place not his hopes in anything of the world. It is good for us sometimes to suffer contradictions, and to allow people to think ill and slightingly of us, even when we do and mean well. These are often helps to humility, and rid us of vain glory. For then we more earnestly seek God to be witness of what passes within us, when outwardly we are slighted by men, and incur their discredit." (Bk.1, c. 12)
This is a repetition of the teaching of Jesus Christ, Who said: “If anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” (Luke 9:23)
The happiness which our Lord promises us is that which results from our own self-renewal and from the acceptance of our cross. This happiness is not easy to acquire, because our selfish and sensual impulses, as well as the insults of others, seem to be forever stirring up a nest of vipers inside us. Too often our hearts are overflowing, not with happiness, but with rebellion. How can we remedy this? There is only one way. We must love God so much that we are prepared to endure everything willingly for love of Him. Those who suffer are blessed, therefore, only on one condition, namely, on condition that they suffer for love of God.
2. Why did God will to grant us happiness only on this condition that we deny ourselves and carry the cross with resignation? The reason is that we should no longer be ourselves, but should belong entirely to God, and should no longer live our own lives, as St. Paul expresses it, but should live the life of Jesus Christ. We ought to become like Him, the Man of sorrows Who redeemed us at the price of His Precious Blood and forgave His executioners from the Cross. We must suffer, moreover, so that by our suffering we may expiate our sins, purify our souls, detach ourselves from the world, and begin to lead a heavenly life even on this earth.
We should not imagine that this will make our lives sad and dreary. On the contrary, it will fill them with the lasting joy which God sends from on high. Let us acquire the peace which is founded on complete control of the passions, on absolute dedication to God, and on the power of charity, which can overcome all obstacles. Before we can acquire it, of course, we must be enlightened and strengthened by the Holy Spirit. It was not until after Pentecost that the Apostles achieved this happiness, so that “they departed from the presence of the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they had been counted worthy to suffer disgrace for the name of Jesus. (Acts 5:41)
3. Let us implore the Holy Spirit to enlighten us and to grant us this serene joy, which is a reflection of the happiness of Heaven.
Ladder of Divine Ascent excerpt: Step 5- "On painstaking and true repentance"
34. Let no one who laments expect assurance at his departure. For the unknown is not sure. Spare me, through assurance, that I be refreshed before I go hence unassured (of salvation). Where the Spirit of the Lord is, the bond is loosed. Where there is profound humility, the bond is loosed. But let those who are without these two assurances make no mistake: they are bound.Prayer request? Send an email to: PrayerR...@aol.com
"Have ANY Catholic Question? Just ask Ron Smith at: hfmin...@roadrunner.com
This month's archive can be found at: http://www.catholicprophecy.info/news2.html.
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