The Fifth Saturday of Easter

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.

Very few people like to be hated. In fact, many of us will do everything we can to avoid conflict with others or to be liked. However, Jesus reminds us that being a Christian isn’t supposed to be a popularity contest. The truths we hold as Disciples of Christ run counter to the perceptions of the world. The world believes the ends justify the means, that success in life is measured by money, titles, and toys, and everything is relative. But we believe in loving each other (even our enemies) to the best of our abilities, that success in life is measured by our faith, hope, and charity, and there are Divine Truths, which will never change. Jesus also reminds us that the world hated and persecuted him and it will hate and persecute us, too if we keep his commands. However, we can be comforted with the thought that all our sufferings can be combined with his to create a crown of glory which we can give to God when we join Jesus in heaven.

Do we belong to God or the world? Are we willing to be hated and persecuted in order to do what is right and good? Are we willing to love those who harm us, just as Jesus did?

O Lord, if we must be hated for your sake, then so be it.

Amen.