May 16, 2009

Today's Gospel: John 15:18-21

If the world hates you, realize that it hated me first.

In today' gospel, Jesus would like to assure his disciples that even before they can complain about the struggles that they may be expecting to encounter along the way, Jesus had already experienced them. This is Jesus' assurance not only to his disciples before but also to his disciples today. Jesus knew the road ahead even before we begin to tread it. He knew the obstacles, the struggles we will encounter because even before we tread it, he already had walked through it and so prepared the way for us. He knew that we might feel and want to give up in the middle of our journey when we find that things or people or circumstances are going against us but his only response: "Noted." And the rest is a matter of trust that God has already prepared the way for us.

Honestly, when you think about it, the times we worry about something, that it may turn out not good, does it really happen? Usually our worries never really happen. It is all because beforehand, God has already prepared the way for us. He's been there, he's done all that! Our worries are just discouragements from the devil who would like us to turn back and just give up. But remember the words Jesus said, "they hated me first." Sure in the beginning they hated him, but let us not forget that in the end, these people also began to repent, ask for mercy and forgiveness and so experienced the love of God and in turn love God back. It is the same with us. We might get discouragements in our journey to follow Jesus but at the end, we can also expect that our sadness will turn into joy and gladness. We can expect a resurrection after the passion. Whatever Jesus went through, we are also promised the same --- a share in the life of God. So indeed, even if at first this gospel may appear as a challenge, it is good news!