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Faith when facing Adversity


Gospel
John 15:18-21
The world hated me before it hated you

Jesus said to his disciples:

‘If the world hates you,
remember that it hated me before you.
If you belonged to the world,
the world would love you as its own;
but because you do not belong to the world,
because my choice withdrew you from the world,
therefore the world hates you.
Remember the words I said to you: A servant is not greater than his master.
If they persecuted me, they will persecute you too;
if they kept my word, they will keep yours as well.
But it will be on my account that they will do all this,
because they do not know the one who sent me.’


Reflection

In John 15:18-21, Jesus prepares His disciples for the challenges they will face as His followers. He reminds them that rejection and persecution are signs of their commitment to Him. The world’s animosity reflects its ignorance of God, and by choosing to follow Jesus, His disciples set themselves apart from the values and norms of society. This passage calls us to consider our own relationship with the world around us. Are we willing to stand firm in our faith, even when it brings us into conflict with societal expectations? 

As we reflect on these words, we might ask ourselves: In what ways am I experiencing the world’s rejection, and how can I respond with love and perseverance?

 Prayer

Dear Lord,  
Thank you for the example of Your steadfast love and courage. Help me to stand firm in my faith, even when faced with challenges or rejection. Grant me the strength to respond with grace and love, reflecting Your light in a world that often fails to recognize it. May I find comfort in knowing that I am not alone in my struggles. Guide me to be a witness of Your truth, even in difficult times. Amen.

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