Saturday of the Fifth Week of Easter
As I reflect on today’s Gospel, I see a lesson in discipleship. To be Jesus Christ’s disciple means to follow him. Therefore, it’s interesting that he said to his disciples that because he didn’t belong to this world, they didn’t either. What does it mean to belong or not belong to this world?
Perhaps we should look at how Jesus didn’t belong to his world. He preached many things that contradicted the world he lived in and the one we live in today. For example, he said that we should love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44). The Gospels are full of stories of Jesus reaching out and showing mercy and compassion to people on the margins of his day like the sick, the poor, and the outcast. He was critical of the proud and self-righteous, especially those who put their material wealth over God and other people.
Likewise, we are called to do the same in this world that operates on hyper-individualism, consumerism, and instant gratification. Discipleship can feel like a lonely place. However, we aren’t alone. Jesus is present with us. These are times when we can feel more connected to him. We may be persecuted and disliked for following the Gospel but remember Jesus was persecuted and disliked too. In not belonging to the world, we belong to Christ, which is the very essence of being a Christian disciple.
Striving to belong to Jesus Christ presents us with a challenge: Do people see Christ in us? Jesus taught his disciples before this Gospel passage is important, “This is my commandment: love one another as I love you,” (John 15: 12). The main point of discipleship is that we love others. In doing so, they see Christ in us and then experience Christ in their lives. As a Marianist Sister, I initially think of the System of Virtues (pages 14-15 of the linked resource), an aspect of Marianist spirituality that calls us to imitate Jesus’ and Mary’s virtues. It is similar to the mission statement of Immaculate Conception parish, “Think like Jesus, Talk like Jesus, and Act like Jesus.” Both provide a framework for reflection that will help us grow to be more like Jesus. May we bring Christ to all we encounter.
—Sr. Emily Sandoval, FMI