In times of peace or persecution

In time of religious peace, we take up our cross and follow Christ by putting our evil passions and desires to death through virtuous living.  But when persecutions come, we must despise our own life, give up our soul for the sake of our Faith and therefore take up our cross and follow the Lord, so as to inherit eternal life. 'He that findeth his soul,' says the Scripture, 'shall lose it; and he that loseth his soul for My sake shall find it' (Matt. 10:39).