Joy in Suffering for Truth
When Nijole Sadunaite was sentenced in Soviet Lithuania, she told the court: “This is the happiest day of my life. I was judged today for the cause of truth and love toward men. What cause could be more important? I have an enviable fate, a glorious destiny. My condemnation will be my triumph. I regret only having done so little for men.
“Standing today on the side of the eternal truth of Jesus Christ, I remember His fourth beatitude: ‘Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled.’ There exists no greater joy than to suffer for truth and for one’s fellow men. How could I not rejoice when God Almighty has promised that light will overcome darkness and truth will overcome error and lies!
READ ALSO: Suffering did not diminish My Faith
“We must condemn evil, but we must love the man, even the one in error. This you can learn only at the school of Jesus Christ, who is the only truth for all, the only way, and the only life. Good Jesus, Your kingdom comes into our souls.”
She was sentenced to three years in prison. After being freed, she met the Pope in Rome, and he asked her, “How was it in jail?” She replied, “Romantic.”
Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
Romans 5:3–5
Date: 1st October 2022
Title: The Happiest Day
Martyr: Nijole Sadunaite
Location: Soviet Lithuania 1970s
Source: Jesus Freaks
Author: DC Talk and Voice of Martyrs
Suffering Saturday 011
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