Homilia Diária | Sábado - 5ª Semana da Páscoa (Jo 15,18-21)

Summary

In this homily, the speaker reflects on Jesus' teachings from John 15:18-21, emphasizing the reality of persecution for those who follow Christ. Jesus warns that the world will hate His followers because they are set apart by His love. The homily discusses how Christians must remain steadfast in their faith, even in the face of ridicule and rejection. The world, although it may resist the gospel, ultimately needs the church’s light and hope. The message calls Christians to embrace the suffering that comes with being a disciple, knowing that Jesus' love and friendship make it all worthwhile.

Takeaways

• 😀 Jesus tells His disciples that if the world hates them, it is because it first hated Him.
• 😀 The world will reject those who follow Christ because they are not of the world, but chosen and separated by Him.
• 😀 Those who follow Jesus are called to live differently from the world's values, which include materialism, vanity, and self-centeredness.
• 😀 The world that rejects the Gospel is the very world that needs it the most, as it will eventually recognize its own shortcomings.
• 😀 The story of the Prodigal Son illustrates how the world initially rejects the truth but may eventually return when it realizes its need for it.
• 😀 Christians should find joy in being hated or persecuted for the sake of Christ, as it is a sign of their commitment to Him.
• 😀 Jesus' words remind believers that the servant is not greater than the master, and they will face persecution just as He did.
• 😀 The persecution faced by Christians is a result of their faith in Christ, not a reflection of their worth or identity.
• 😀 The world’s rejection of Christian values is a consequence of embracing values that oppose God's teachings, like pride, greed, and power.
• 😀 Even though Christians may face ridicule or rejection, they are called to be a light in the darkness, serving as beacons of hope for others.

Q & A

What is the significance of the message that 'If the world hates you, know that it hated me first' in the context of the homily?

The message suggests that as followers of Christ, believers might face rejection and hatred from the world, similar to what Jesus experienced. It highlights the distinction between the values of the world and the values of the Kingdom of God, where true discipleship may lead to persecution and opposition.

What does the homily say about the role of the church in the world that 'hates' it?

The homily emphasizes that while the world may hate the church and its message, the world needs the church more than ever. It draws a parallel with the parable of the Prodigal Son, where the son eventually returns to the father when he realizes the emptiness of his choices, illustrating that the world, too, will eventually need the salvation the church offers.

What are some of the 'worldly values' that Jesus' followers are called to separate from, according to the homily?

The homily lists various worldly values such as the pursuit of money, vanity, power, unrestrained pleasure, revenge, and egoism. These are seen as contrary to the teachings of Jesus and are part of the 'world' that believers are called to separate from in their journey of sanctification.

How does the homily connect the message of hatred towards believers with the concept of sanctification?

The homily explains that sanctification involves being set apart from the world and its values. The hatred that believers might experience is a result of this separation, as they are no longer aligned with the worldly systems but have been chosen by Christ to follow His ways, which often leads to opposition.

What role does the concept of 'friendship with Jesus' play in this homily?

The concept of 'friendship with Jesus' is central to the homily. It contrasts the sweetness of being friends with Jesus—by living according to His commandments—with the reality of being hated by the world for it. The homily suggests that this friendship with Jesus makes the rejection and persecution from the world worthwhile, as it offers a deeper, more meaningful relationship with Christ.

Why does the homily refer to the world as being 'upside down'?

The homily refers to the world as 'upside down' to describe how the world's values are distorted and contrary to God's teachings. It mentions issues such as the denial of gender identity, materialism, and the undermining of moral and spiritual values, illustrating the confusion and disorientation of contemporary society.

What is the significance of the metaphor 'the church as a city built on a hill'?

The metaphor of the church as a 'city built on a hill' highlights the church's role as a beacon of hope and salvation in a dark and confused world. It suggests that despite the world's rejection, the church is meant to be a light that guides others toward God, just as a city on a hill can be seen from afar and provides direction.

What is the connection between the 'Prodigal Son' story and the message of the homily?

The Prodigal Son story is used to illustrate the idea that the world, though it rejects the church and its message, will eventually realize its need for salvation. Just as the Prodigal Son returns to his father when he is in need, the world will one day seek refuge in the church when it recognizes the emptiness of its own choices.

How does the homily encourage believers to respond to persecution?

The homily encourages believers to endure persecution with the understanding that it is part of their identification with Christ. It reassures them that the suffering they endure for Christ’s name is meaningful and ultimately worthwhile, as they are being faithful to the teachings of Jesus and sharing in His suffering.

What is meant by the statement, 'The world that hates the church needs the church more than ever'?

This statement emphasizes the paradox that while the world rejects the church and its message, it is precisely the church that offers the hope and salvation that the world desperately needs. The church’s role is to remain steadfast, even in the face of opposition, as it provides the light and truth that the world is seeking, even if it doesn’t realize it yet.