The Persecution and Hatred towards Jesus and His Followers

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Easter Season: Fifth Week : Saturday*

*Gospel : Jn 15:18-21*

*First Reading : Acts 16:1-10*

*The Persecution and Hatred towards Jesus and His Followers*

*1) The Fact of persecution and Hatred*

In today's Gospel Jesus speaks about the Hatred and Persecution, towards Him and His followers

What Jesus revealed in today's Gospel about hatred and persecution, had become true in the History of the Church 

Persecution started during the time of Jesus, continues today and we are the witnesses to this fact 

Today a large number of people are being persecuted all over the world, because of the name of Jesus

*2) The type hatred and persecution*

What good can come from Galilee? Belittling a person 

Is he not Carpenter's Son? An attitude of  insult 

He has become mad : an insane person is seen in Jesus 

We don't have a King but Caesar. They made man as God and Jesus came across to them as insignificant person 

Jesus was humiliated, misinformation about his mission and about family, physically he was beaten, tortured and cruelly crucified. 

This is the way Jesus was persecuted and hated by His own people 

*3) “If the world hates you, realize that it hated me first.*

The life of Jesus shows that he was persecuted and hated by many 

Jesus also reveals that if they have hated me, they will also hate you 

Accordingly in the History of the Church, His followers have been persecuted, hated and many of them were killed for the sake of Jesus 

So, the way of the followers is nothing other than the way of Jesus 

*4) Reasons for Hatred and Persecutions*

Fight against injustice

Fight against illiteracy

Fight against ignorance

Fight against the human slavery

Fight against inequality

Fight against exploration

Fight against discrimination

Fight against superstitious beliefs 

Fight against that greedy people 

Fight against the Worldly values 

*5) How about my Life?*

Am I ready to accept the teachings of Jesus on persecution?

Am I ready to suffer for Jesus? 

Do I give up for little things?

How strong I am to face persecution and hatred? 

Is my life governed by the Worldly Values or heavenly values?  

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*