Today's Reflections
Jn 15:18-21
[Jesus said to his disciples,] 18“If the world hates you, realize that it hated me first. 19If
you belonged to the world, the world would love its own; but because
you do not belong to the world, and I have chosen you out of the world,
the world hates you. 20Remember the word I spoke to you, ‘No
slave is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also
persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. 21And they will do all these things to you on account of my name, because they do not know the one who sent me.”
Reflection:
They will also persecute you.
Jesus continues to call us. When we respond to his call, we are chosen
to work for him and with him. The call, in fact, is not to a life of
ease and comfort, of power and privilege. Jesus sends us on a mission.
We have to act in his name. As disciples of Jesus, we are united with
him in sickness and in health, rain or shine, in life and persecution,
in death and resurrection.
Jesus prepares his disciples for the
realistic outcome of their ministry, apostolate, and Christian life amid
a hostile world. When the going gets rough, they are not alone; Jesus
and his Father are with them. The disciples must take heart and face the
various trials the same way that Jesus has faced his own. They must
remain firm in their union with him and his Father.
Following Jesus spells persecution,
self-denial, and self-emptying ending up with the cross. As disciples of
Jesus, we share in his passion and death. But we likewise partake in
his resurrection and ultimate triumph.
Has the cross been your companionin moments of trial?
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