Daily Gospel Reflection

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May 4, 2024

Saturday of the Fifth Week of Easter
Jn 15:18-21
Listen to the Audio Version

Jesus said to his disciples:
“If the world hates you, realize that it hated me first.
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.
Remember 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.
And they will do all these things to you on account of my name,
because they do not know the one who sent me.”

Reflection

Ellen Marie (Rauth) Kyhl '90
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On the night before his crucifixion, Jesus doesn’t mince words. His sobering but merciful warning prepares the disciples so they are not caught off guard, surprised, or discouraged by the world’s hostility. The fallen world violently opposes the ways of Christ. This will be heinously on display the following day in the passion.

In today’s reading, Jesus’ love is juxtaposed with the hatred of the world. Hatred is the antithesis of love. Love begets. Hatred annihilates. Expect to be thwarted when you shine the light of Christ on the world. The world, uncomfortable with darkness being exposed, will aggressively seek to discredit, suppress, or snuff you out. Be on guard, but take courage. Jesus says, “You do not belong to the world, and I have chosen you out of the world,” and because of this, “the world hates you.”

In every moment, we choose, by our thoughts, words, and actions, to place ourselves under the authority of a ruler; the ruler of the created world or the ruler of the fallen world. Will we be agents of Christ’s light or Lucifer’s darkness? One author ushers us to life and salvation; the other to death and damnation.

Jesus doesn’t shout over his venomous aggressors. He weeps for love for them, for every soul that turns away, goes astray, or abandons him. As individuals and as a church, we are similarly called out by the white garment of our baptism to stand with and for Christ and to continue the work of salvation. In doing so, we will find ourselves on the front line, being asked to endure misunderstanding, alienation, accusation, and contempt from expected and unexpected persecutors.

Therein lies the call—that we, in our fallen nature, might find a way, through the grace of God, to fan the flame of Christ’s love in our hearts, and be flesh for the life of the world.

Prayer

Rev. Herbert Yost, C.S.C.

Dear Lord, give us wisdom when we are filled with questions. Grant us a grateful heart when we feel discouraged. Open our eyes to the opportunities that await us. Steady our pace so that we can see you in the people and challenges that will come our way today. Let us be pure of spirit so your glory may guide our thinking and acting. Amen.