May 15th, 2024

St. Barnabas Anglican Parish,  Bluff
04.05.24 

Today's gospel 
John 15:18-21 

18“If the world hates you, be aware that it hated me before it hated you. 19If 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. 20Remember the word that I said to you, ‘Slaves are not greater than their master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you; if they kept my word, they will keep yours also. 21But they will do all these things to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me.

Reflection

Jesus wants our faith and our presence with him. The coming of the Trinity among us arises from the desire of God to invite us into belonging with them, and to know the mystery of God from the inside. We can say ‘yes' or ‘no' to that invitation. Our time of prayer is one way of saying ‘yes', and of opening ourselves to the divine energy in the world and inside each of us.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You, that Your Word states plainly that the world hated Jesus. I understand that trials and tribulations are common to all men, but that those who follow You will inevitably suffer persecution for righteousness's sake. Thank You that You have promised to keep me through the difficulties, dangers, persecution, and pain that all who live godly lives in Christ will suffer. I am so thankful that You intimately understand how I feel when the world hates me, because it hated You first. Help me to keep my eyes fixed on Jesus Who is the hope of my calling and thank You that Your grace is sufficient for every situation I may have to face in this life. In Jesus' name I pray.

Amen