Weekly Gospel Reflection - John 15:18-21 - Set Apart - Sonia Rodrigues - 13 May 2023
@evangelinediaries Going with the flow is an accepted norm in the world, but as followers of Christ we need to do it differently. Gospel – John 15:18-21 Reflection – Set Apart Have we ever faced a situation when we had to stand up for something that went against the majority? Where we knew we were right and fought for the truth but nobody supported us? Where we chose to abide by our ethics and made a decision that was difficult but important? We felt hated by the crowd yet did the right thing? If yes, then we will understand what Jesus is trying to explain to His disciples and to us today. Jesus says that the world would hate us, but why? For the simple reason that if we follow the way of Jesus, if we choose to walk on the narrow path of life that He walked on, then we go against the ways of the world. ‘For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and the pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.’ (1 John 2:16) So, let’s examine each one and understand what the ways of the world mean. Firstly, the desires of the flesh that includes all we do to fulfill our physical cravings. It is not wrong to gratify these needs, but to do so by compromising on our values, by taking advantage of others and by conveniently misinterpreting the law leads to sin. ‘The Lord will punish all those who commit such sins, as we told you and warned you before. For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life.’ (1 Thessalonians 4:6b-7) Secondly, the desires of the eyes where we seek to acquire everything we set our eyes upon, at all costs. Again, there is no problem with satisfying our material needs but when it becomes an obsession, a selfish ambition then it is dangerous. We must not allow our possessions to possess us. As Scripture reminds us, ‘Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. (1 Timothy 6:17-19) Thirdly, the pride of life. ‘I am a self-made man/woman.’ Have we heard people or maybe ourselves saying this? We might think no end of ourselves, assume we are the masters of our destiny and are in control of everything. Well, we may have accomplished a lot in life and feel proud of all that we are. However, Scripture reminds us “Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. (James 4:14) “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. (John 15:5) Whatever we are and can do is only because of the grace and goodness of God. When we follow the world and try to fit in, the world will love, accept and praise us. However as followers of Jesus, as we put off our old self and put on our new self in His name, we are called not to fit in but to be set apart, to be sanctified in His truth. We are a chosen people, called out of the darkness of this world into His Light. When we strive to follow His precepts leading to eternal life, we will encounter rejection and hatred. However, the Holy Spirit within us will always help us to lead holy lives even amidst hostility. ‘For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.’ (Titus 2:11-14) So let’s not be afraid of standing up for the Truth, even if it means standing alone. When God is with us, we have nothing to fear. Let us pray: Dear Lord, thank you for choosing us and for setting us apart. Forgive us for the times we try to please the world and drift away from you. Guide us not to fall for worldly attractions but to live as per your commands. Help us to fearlessly stand up for you and uphold our faith. We ask this in the mighty, holy and precious name of Jesus – Amen! (Scripture: Lev 18:29-30, Ps 19:7-11, 34:8, 51:10, 56:11, 144:3-4, 145:9, Isa 54:17, Jer 1:5, Eze 36:26, Mat 5:10, 6:19-21, 10:28, 18:8-9, John 14:6,26, 16:13, 17:17, Rom 8:31, 12:1-2, 13:14, 1 Cor 3:16,19, 2 Cor 4:4,18, 5:17, 6:14-17, Gal 5:16-25, 6:3, Eph 1:17-20, 4:17-24, Phil 4:13, Col 1:21-23a, 3:10, 1 Thes 4:3-6, 2 Tim 4:16-18, Jam 1:12,27, 4:4, 1 Pet 1:14, 2:9, 3:13, 4:2, 2 Pet 1:4, 1 Joh 3:13-15, 4:4-6, 5:18-20) Audio Credit: Ms. Anita Lewis
