Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: May 4, 2024

Date:  Saturday of the 5th Week of Easter

Scripture Text:  John 15:18-21

Jesus said to his disciples: "If the world hates you, realize that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, the world would love its own; but because you do not belong to the world, and I have chosen you out of the world, the world hates you. Remember the word I spoke to you, 'No slave is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. And they will do all these things to you on account of my name, because they do not know the one who sent me."

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel text for today continues Jesus’ discourse with the disciples. It is part of what is referred to as the Vine and the Branches Sermon. In the segment cited today, Jesus reminds His disciples then and now that we are to realize that we are not part of the world; in fact, Jesus “chose us” and the world will try to shake that bond and shatter our relationship with our Savior. The disciples did not realize at the time that Jesus would be arrested, crucified, and die upon a cross. But we know. Jesus’ words remind us that following Him will put us at odds with many in the world because they do not know who Jesus is.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Am I willing to endure and persevere on my journey in Christ, with Christ, and through Christ?

Praying:

LORD, daily we come to You and seek to live as You taught us through your words and actions. We look upon the crucifixes in our homes and realize that the world does not know You. Send your Spirit to fortify our resolve, to deepen our faith, to intensify our hope, and to amplify our love so that we might be true disciples, following in your footsteps, regardless of where the world attempts to lead us. Amen.