[Mrs. Don-o]

That doesn't mean you have to go looking for persecution. Do what you're supposed to do, and persecution will come looking for you.

Nor does the pope deny a right to defend yourself and the people for whom you are responsible. He doesn't have Swiss Guards and a personal security team for nothing. But even in defensive struggle, you suffer. Whatr BXVI is saying, is that suffering should not surprise you; and in prayer and faith, it can even be turned to a good end. It can bring you closer to your Savior at an entirely new level.

Ask any Christian who has suffered.

[marbren]

A neat way to exercise our faith is to trust and Thank God for the good he will bring to us through our suffering. Instead of crying "Why God is this happening to me!!" and blaming God when we suffer try saying Thank You Lord for the good that will come from this and I trust in your solution. God will be Gracious and give you Joy and Peace through the trials of life. This will only work of course for Justified Christians. It is one of the neat things the Holy Spirit gives you more and more of during your sanctification process. It is possible not to worry about anything. We must humble ourselves and trust God.

[MaxMax]

Thank you Mrs. Don-o.
I would like to say that, "just because" I don't agree with the Pope, I automatically
become a Bigot, Zealot or anything else anybody can think of.
And that is the very issue I've been trying to convey.

I don't accept blind faith from a man who is infallible in his views.
Nor do I recognize the Vatican for their political stances just because
they are the church leaders. For instance the Pope' stance on Iraq,
and praying (Capitulating, IMO) in a Mosque.

And yes, I've debated views and issues with all of my pastors.

According to some of the posters here, if you don't agree with everything the Pope says,
then you're branded a bigot. And I cannot agree with such a double standard
since not everybody can agree with the pope on every issue.

So, by the standard of disagreement here, is every Catholic
a Bigot and a hypocrite?
The clear answer is no.

Religious extremism and name calling does not set a good
example by any measure for anybody.

God Bless you all,
MaxMax.