Saturday of the Fifth Week of Easter
“If 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.”
In today’s Gospel, we are given what looks like, at first glance, a grim forecast for the life of a Christian on Earth. Again, we are confronted with the probability of persecution and even hatred. What does this mean, and how are we to react? Jesus reminds us that we are persecuted because they first persecuted him, and we are not greater than Christ Jesus our Lord and God, are we? No, we are honored to be treated as Christ was treated, even in our small trials and persecutions. We must also always remember that we are “hated” because we are chosen by Jesus to be his disciples. But what does it mean to be called a disciple? The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines a disciple as one whom, “Jesus associated with his own life, revealed the mystery of the Kingdom, and gave them a share in his mission, his joy, and his sufferings.” So, as followers of Christ we, his disciples, are called to share these mysteries to all by our love, our joy, and our compassion; especially those who persecute us, because we know that, if they experience the true sacrificial and unconditional love of our beloved, they would, without hesitation, embrace the call to enter into his Kingdom.
Reflection by Br. Placid Dale, OSB
Posted in Article for Easter, Daily Reflections