Daily Gospel Reflection for May 24, 2014

Today's Gospel: John 15:18-21

After reading today’s Gospel, I realized something - it is not cool to be a Christian. I guess I will never be a part of the “in” crowd. I am ok with that. I would rather be a follower of Christ.

Being a Christian means that I have Truth on my side. It means I am always loved and always forgiven. Being a follower of Jesus means I will be challenged in life, but I will always be able to meet that challenge. Loving Jesus means I will have the grace to love others, too, even those who are difficult to love.

So, though my words be disrespected, I will not be quiet. I will speak the truth with love. The baby within is a child, not a choice. A person’s a person no matter how small, or old, or “disabled,” or filled with suffering. Every person is made in the image and likeness of God. Marriage is between one man and one woman. A child is best raised by a mother and a father.

I am so not cool. I will be harried. I will be hated, while being accused of hating. The world will say that I want children to live in poverty, in a home where they are not loved or wanted. They will call me a bigot. They will accuse me of setting myself up as judge.

The world will not see the many cases of diapers and bags of clothes given to unwed mothers. They do not know of the hours spent tutoring young mothers so they could get their GED. They disregard the many meals dished out to the poor. No prayer for mercy and compassion said on its behalf does the world hear.

If instead we are being persecuted, made in fun of, slandered, then we must be doing something right! We have been chosen!

Though not of the world, we are in the world. We are here for a reason. It is God’s will that we give the world Hope and show it true Love.

Ponder:

How am I being persecuted for being a Christian? How am I showing mercy and love?

Pray:

All glory and honor be to you, Lord, through any good deed I do or truth I speak today. Thank you for choosing me out of the world, yet allowing me to remain in it to show forth your mercy and love. Father, grant me wisdom and charity to do your will. Amen.

Copyright 2014 Kelly Guest