I have chosen you out of the world

Readings: 1st: Acts 16: 1-10; Ps: 100; Gos: John 15:18-21

This brief reflection was written by Rev. Fr. Njoku Canice Chukwuemeka, C.S.Sp. He is a Catholic Priest and a Member of the Congregation of the Holy Ghost Fathers and Brothers (Spiritans). He is currently working with the Spiritan International Group of Puerto Rico &  Dominican Republic. He is the Administrator of Parroquia La Resurrección del Senor, Canovanas and the Chancellor of the Diocesis of Fajardo-Humacao, Puerto Rico. For more details and comments contact him on: canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, cancilleriadfh@gmail.com, canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com 

On this Saturday of the fifth week of Easter, the Gospel reading is very brief. However, it has a very important message for us.

Today, Christ continues to prepare his disciples for the future. Once again, he reminded them of the fact that life was not going to be easy.

They will encounter hard times. They will be persecuted as he was persecuted. Hence, he warns them: “If the world hates you, realize that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, the world would love its own.”

As followers of Christ, we are called to live in a way that is contrary to society. In a world organized according to the egoistic interests, Christians must live and radiate love, peace and justice.

It was our choice of Christ that make us different. So, if we remain focused on his vocation, we will have the strength to conquer difficulties. Also, we shall be joyful in spite of the difficulties.

Therefore, it is our closeness to Christ that gives us the strength to continue our journey. This closeness was also, the source of the mystical experience for many saints and martyrs who overcame this world.

They conquered this world through their love for Christ and eternal life. They lived, knowing that they could be persecuted, accused, imprisoned and killed at any moment. However, they also knew that God was always with them.

Let us pray that our choice and love for Christ, and for eternal life may sustain us at all the moments of our life. Let us also pray that, in spite of all difficulties we might remain firm and faithful in the mission of Christ. Alleluia, Alleluia!

Peace be with you all!

Maranatha!