(Un)popular Christianity

"Popular" Christianity – if any at all – is the approach today.  One pop TV preacher offers "your best life now."  Jesus is presented as the icing on the cake of the good life.   On this day when the Church remembers Raymond of Penyafort we would do well to ponder his words: 

The preacher of God’s truth has told us that all who want to live righteously in Christ will suffer persecution. If he spoke the truth and did not lie, the only exception to this general statement, I think, the person who either neglects, or does not know how, to live temperately, justly and righteously in this world..... May you never be numbered among those whose house is peaceful, quiet and free from care; those on whom the Lord’s chastisement does not descend; those who live out their days in prosperity, and in the twinkling of any eye will go down to hell.....If from time to time you feel the sword falling on you with double or treble force, this also should be seen as sheer joy and the mark of love..... As you drink the cup of the Lord Jesus (how glorious it is!) give thanks to the Lord, the giver of all blessings. 

Lord have mercy.