Saturday of the 5th week of Easter year A
Theme: “you are not of the world”
In the gospel reading of today from St. John, Jesus reminds us about the reality of our lives as his followers. He points out the fact that we are in the world but not of the world. He chose you out of the world, so the world hates you. The assertion of Jesus in today’s gospel reading is the reality of our lives as Christians and followers of Christ. The world knows its own people and is comfortable with their way of life, but it is not the same for all those who have decided not to go the way of the world. Jesus is speaking to us today from his own personal experiences, whatever we are going through today because of our call to discipleship, Jesus has gone through a worse situation and understands what we are going through very well.
Dearly beloved in Christ, just know that if they persecuted Jesus, you would also go through a similar experience, because you represent him here on earth as his follower. Not been of the world automatically places you against those who are of the world, just like Jesus experienced. As a result of this, just know that you are like one swimming against the current, you must always trust in God and be courageous. Many people are comfortable with going according to the ways of the world, because its just like swimming along with the current and far easier than swimming against the current that the children of God has chosen.
My brothers and sisters in Christ, let the victory of Christ continue to strengthen your resolve to continue to live like the child of God that you are called to be. Remember, to choose the path of Christ, entails a lot of challenges and difficulties, as seen in the life of Jesus Christ himself. But our joy is that nothing good comes easy, and at the end of the tunnel there will surely be light. Suffice it to say that all the stress and difficulties you encounter will be worth it at the end of the day. The ways of God and the ways of the world can be likened to the works of the spirit and the works of the flesh.
Jesus is inviting all of us as children of God today to remain resolute and always remember who we are at all times. Just know that you are in the world but not of the world, so you must strive not to live your life like people who are in the world and of the world. May God grant you the grace to be always conscious of this fact, in the name of the father and of the son and of the holy spirit. Amen. Peace be with you.