”If the world hates you, be aware that it hated me before it hated you. If you belonged to the world, the world would love you as its own. Because you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world—therefore the world hates you.
Remember the word that I said to you, ‘Servants are not greater than their master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you; if they kept my word, they will keep yours also. But they will do all these things to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me.
New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.
After reading through Jesus’ message in today’s Gospel, it seems like he may need to work on his pep talk! I’m sure the disciples looked at each other as he said this, wondering what exactly they had signed on for. Like the disciples, we are not promised that things in our lives will always be easy, or that the will go the way we hope. Rather, Jesus tells us that no matter what trials we are experiencing, he understands what we are going through, and remains in us. He tells each of us “I have chosen you out of the world,” and we will not be abandoned.
—The Jesuit Prayer team
Lord Jesus, when we join our lives to you, we know that it will not always be easy, but we trust that you will not leave us alone in the face of trials. Give us the strength and courage to live our lives as your disciples, strengthened by the Holy Spirit. Amen.
—The Jesuit Prayer team
Please share the Good Word with your friends!
