5th Week of Easter
Because you do not belong to the world … the world hates you. (John 15:19)
This is not one of Jesus’ most popular teachings. Even those of us who have been Christians a long time don’t like to hear that we are hated or even disliked. But we still know that it’s true. Now more than at any time in history, Christians around the world are victims of hatred and persecution.
The reasons for this seem to defy logic. Why would someone hate the followers of a God who is all about love, forgiveness, and mercy? In some cases it’s because we who bear the name of Christ don’t always bear a resemblance to him! People are usually very good at spotting inconsistencies between our words and our actions.
In other cases, those who claim to hate Christians are, deep down, looking for answers for their own lives. As the saying goes, “Hurt people hurt people.” Perhaps they’ve been deprived of love or have themselves been subjected to unkindness and cruelty. But if these people could learn what an awesome, loving God we serve, perhaps they would open their hearts to his love—and begin to show that love in return.
That’s where we come in. Jesus told us to love our enemies and pray for them (Matthew 5:44). We can do that much better if we are careful not to see them as enemies—no matter how they may see us.
What if you never had access to Confession or the Eucharist? What if you had only heard about Jesus but never felt his love? What would your life be like? Even those who hate us are our brothers and sisters—they just haven’t opened the door to Jesus yet.
How do you react when you encounter hostility to your faith? It’s easy to complain. It’s almost natural to condemn. But you don’t have to feel particularly loving to pray for that person—or to simply smile at him or her when you feel like responding harshly. The best way to react to hatred, fear, and mistrust of Christianity is to show it to be exactly the opposite. You are a living reminder of God’s love—so just be that to others, and see what happens!
“Lord, bless all those who hate and persecute my brothers and sisters in the faith. Send them your Spirit so that they will find what they are really seeking—your mercy!”
Acts 16:1-10; Psalm 100:1-3, 5
Daily Marriage Tip for May 24, 2014:
Is your own marriage strong and happy? Good. Perhaps it’s time to give back by mentoring engaged couples or becoming involved with marriage ministry in your parish.