Homily Fifth Saturday of Easter (John 15:18-21) “It is Good to be Hated for the Right Reasons”
Homily Fifth Saturday of Easter (John 15:18-21) “It is Good to be Hated for the Right Reasons”
These words of Jesus are difficult to hear. “The world will hate you because of me.” No one likes to be hated. All of us like to be held in high regard. The writer of John wrote the fourth gospel 60 to 70 years after Jesus lived. He had seen Christians persecuted many times.
Why have Christians been hated by the world throughout the centuries? It would seem like there are some consistent reasons.
The world hates all those who are different. Some would say that Christians believe because we want to fit in with everyone else. But if we live our Christian lives conscientiously, we will not fit in. People will wonder why we live the moral code that we do for example. A true Christian does not selfishly look out for themselves. No, a devout Christian always tries to put others’ needs ahead of their own. Christians can be looked at as either naïve or stupid when they act selflessly.
Many in the world have disliked Christians throughout history because a practicing Christian makes those around them uncomfortable. Being around a virtuous person can be like looking in a mirror and seeing some defect in our physical appearance. We do not like that.
People say that is why Socrates was killed. He was known as human gadfly because he was always compelling people to think and examine themselves and they hated that. They wanted Socrates out of the way, so they did not have to consider their own short comings.
The world always suspects nonconformity. It likes everyone to fall into a pattern. A faithful Christian is one that does not care if they fit into the expectations of the world. No, they only care that strive to meet the expectations of Jesus Christ.
Questions for Reflection:
1. Have I ever felt like I did not fit in to a social group? What did I do to try to change so I could fit in?
2. Is it freeing to not to care what people think? Have I ever done something that did not conform to people’s expectations? Was I glad I did?
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Dear Parishioners,
Tomorrow after we toll the bells for the victims of COVID 19. We will be distributing communion in our parking lot. See yesterday’s message from me which explains what you need to know.
Since communion is not being received at Mass, the whole experience might seem a little disjointed. I would hope people would not just receive the Eucharis and drive away. Take time to prepare yourself in your car when you come and to recollect yourself before you leave.
Maybe these prayers might help:
Prayer before Communion
Almighty and ever-living God, I approach the sacrament
of your only-begotten Son our Lord Jesus Christ,
I come sick to the doctor of life, unclean to the
fountain of mercy, blind to the radiance of eternal light,
and poor and needy to the Lord of heaven and earth.
Lord, in your great generosity, heal my sickness,
wash away my defilement, enlighten my blindness,
enrich my poverty, and clothe my nakedness,
May I receive the bread of angels, the King of kings
and the Lord of lords, with humble reverence, with
the purity and faith, the repentance and love, and the
determined purpose that will help to bring me to salvation.
May I receive the sacrament of the Lord’s
Body and Blood, and its reality and power.
Kind God, may I receive the Body of Your
only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ,
born from the womb of the Virgin Mary,
and so be received into His mystical body
and numbered among His members.
Loving Father, as on my earthly pilgrimage I know receive
Your beloved Son under the veil of a sacrament,
May I one day see him face to face in glory,
who lives and reigns with You forever Amen.
Saint Thomas Aquinas
Prayer after Communion
I love You, O my God, and my only desire is to love You until the last
Breath of my life. I love You, O my infinitely lovable God, and I would rather die loving You, that live without loving You. I love You, Lord and the only grace I ask is to love You eternally…..My God, if my tongue cannot say in every moment that I love You, I want my heart to repeat it to You as often as I draw breath. Amen.
St. John Vianney
May Our Lady and all the angels and saints protect us today.
Fr. Mark