Thoughts for the Day

‘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.

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

Rev Michael Johnson from the USA, a profound teacher and pastor refers to this passage from John's Gospel in terms of climbing a mountain while rocks are being thrown at you! I rather agree since our Lectionary gave us this same reading only two weeks ago!

The scene is still the last supper that Jesus had with his disciples, and he is preparing them for the persecution and rejection they will endure because of their faith in him. Jesus highlights the contrast between living a life that mirrors his values rather than the values of the world. Often today this will bring clashes with family, friends or work colleagues, and sometimes even worse within the community of the Church. They may just appear as slurs, jokes, or critical comments about our faith, but they can occasionally manifest themselves in action and even violence by those who do not accept our beliefs.

When we feel as though we are clinging to the mountain side by our fingertips as problems like rocks rain down upon us we need to remember that we have been chosen for this role and that Jesus promises that He will be with us and will give us strength to persevere. We do not just rest on a mountain ledge but keep going hand over hand, foot over foot, slowly moving forward. Neither do we do it out of stubbornness that we are right and everyone else is wrong. We are to be faithful to our calling to shed the light of Christ to the world in humility, and allow His love to sustain us as we navigate the path up the mountain and avoid the rocks cast upon us.

Lord Jesus,
You taught Your disciples that they were called out of the world,
and that the world would hate them.
When troubles from the world collide with our faith
may we cling even closer to You,
not resting in our own power
but relying on Yours.
Amen.