Saturday of the Fifth Week of Easter

Today's Mass Readings

 

Take Courage; I Have Overcome the World

“If the world hates you, realize that it hated me first.” (John 15:18)

It’s not easy to be a Christian today. Or it shouldn’t be. To live the Gospel—to speak the truth in love, to uphold the dignity of every person, to be merciful and forgive—this is often disturbing if not disruptive to the status quo. I mean, we shouldn’t start an argument or hurt someone’s feelings without care. But we also shouldn’t hide the fact or avoid the topic when it comes up.

For the Journey:

In conversation and in ordinary instances, we can make an impact on someone and evangelize without their realizing it:

  • Consider praying in public or making the sign of the cross.
  • Mention Jesus in conversation: Oh yeah, Jesus helped me through that tough situation.
  • Give a mini-testimony: Yes, I am a Christian. I believe that Jesus is God, and that He died and resurrected, forgiving me and promising eternal life. What do you think of Jesus?

“I have told you this so that you might have peace in me. In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world.” (John 16:33)

 

Reflection by Br. Luke Kral, OSB