Fr. Mike Schmitz

Amen.

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

So I have that prayer because, you know, St.

Peter in 1 Peter chapter 3, he says, talks about suffering for doing what's right.

And he says, basically, there's some words that he has that are, you know,

If you're suffering for doing us wrong, that's fine, whatever.

But he says, ah, you want to suffer for doing what's right.

That's actually a good thing.

And I find myself saying, well, sometimes I suffer for doing what's right.

Also, I find myself suffering the consequences of my own choices too often.

I said that thing I shouldn't have said.

I didn't do the thing I should have done.

You know what I'm saying?

And so I just need the Lord's grace to meet me in all situations and in all times.

One of the things that is so important and powerful for me personally in 1 Peter 3, I

beginning with verse 15.

This is a verse that defined and charted the course of much of my life.

I mean, truly, Peter says, always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who calls you to account for the hope that is within you, yet do it with gentleness and reverence and keep your conscience clear.

There's something about that.