by Winston Elliott III
John 15: 18 - 21
18 "If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you.
19 If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.
20 Remember the word that I said to you, `A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you; if they kept my word, they will keep yours also.
21 But all this they will do to you on my account, because they do not know him who sent me.
Today's Gospel reading is a caution, an inspiration and possibly a slap in the face. A caution as Jesus warns us of the forces who will attack us if we follow him. An inspiration in that our Lord tell us that "if they kept my word, they will keep yours also." What a great grace for Him to share His creative omnipotence with us. But we can't forget the slap in the face.
"If you were of the world, the world would love its own." Does the world love us more than it should? Do we hesitate to fully offer our service to Christ for fear that the world (family, friends, boss) would love us less? Are we so attached to the world (pride, luxury, anger) that we do not allow the love of our Lord to fully transform us?
"Because you are not of the world...therefore the world hates you." Is this a slap in the face? Then remember, its not too late for the world to hate you for His sake. They will persecute you because "they do not know him who sent me." A servant is not above his master. But, the love of our Master is the love of a Friend and a Brother. Let's run to the side of our Lord. Don't stop, run. Now.
O Lord, please give us the strength to be in the world but not of the world. Only through Your grace will we turn our eyes to You and away from those who persecute You. Immerse us in Your love so that we will transform ourselves, and the whole world, in Your Holy Name.
Mary, our Hope, Seat of wisdom, pray for us. Amen
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