Greetings on this the Saturday of the Fifth Week of Easter
Readings: Acts 16:1-10; Psalm 100:1b-2, 3, 5; John 15:18-21
Summary
Did a people ever hear the voice of God speaking from the midst of fire, as you did, and live? If the world hates you, realize that it hated me first (Dt 4:33; Jn 15:18).
Reflection
There is hatred of the qualities (actions & intentions) of a person and hatred of the person as a Self. In our gospel portion today, Jesus warns about both forms of hatred. The good Jesus did is accounted as evil. The goodness of the person of Jesus is discounted as not offering the desires of power and control.
If so with Jesus, how much more so in his followers who can at best imitate the Lord?
If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you.
If they kept my word, they will also keep yours.
Hatred is loud, exaggerated, obnoxious in and of itself. It gets all the attention.
Jesus reminds us… Did a people ever hear the voice of God speaking from the midst of fire, as you did, and live? Yes, yes, we did and do and will continue to live for Love casts out Fear. If then you were raised with Christ, seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God (Colossians 3:1).
In THE NAME of Jesus we are to become like him in all things. The Father’s voice has spoken to us and we live!
Personal Reflection
Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands;
serve the LORD with gladness;
come before him with joyful song.
Know that the LORD is God;
he made us, his we are;
his people, the flock he tends.
The LORD is good:
his kindness endures forever,
and his faithfulness, to all generations.
(Psalm 100:1b-2, 3, 5)
Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/050926
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry