In this weeks Gospel reading our Lord tells us "if the world hates you, realize that it hated me first." These are comforting words to those that feel alienated; anyone that finds themselves at odds with the world because of their belief in Jesus and all His teachings can be assured that they are on a good path.
Perhaps you are reading this and saying to yourself that you're pretty happy with things the way they are. If you're like most people, you have a good number of friends, you get along with pretty much everyone. Sure, there are those that don't really like you, but no one "hates" you that you know of. You believe in Jesus, follow His teachings, and you are NOT being persecuted. You love the world, the life you're living and you might be tempted to wonder what all that says about you.
My guess is that in and of itself, it doesn't say anything about you. The Lord declared all creation "good" and certainly He wants us to enjoy the good gifts that he gives us. We are stewards of those gifts, and we are called to share them as well as enjoy them in good measure. Not all Saints were martyrs; and I dare say there are Saints who were popular in life and who died peaceful deaths. So even though one can find comfort in these words when they are stand before the power of hell; the lack of oppression due to your beliefs is only an invitation to examine your conscience.
The question is; if those things changed, how would you respond?
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