"If the world hates you, realize that it hated me first.
If you belonged to the world, the world would love its own;
but because you do not belong to the world,
and I have chosen you out of the world,
the world hates you.
Remember the word I spoke to you,
'No slave is greater than his master.'
If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you.
If they kept my word, they will also keep yours.
And they will do all these things to you on account of my name,
because they do not know the one who sent me."
REFLECTION
"If you belonged to the world, the world would love its own;
but because you do not belong to the world,
and I have chosen you out of the world,
the world hates you."
The acceptance or denial of Jesus Christ defines the soul's personal journey. St Augustine stated that in each soul there are two kingdoms--the love of the world and contempt of God or love of God and contempt of the world and self. (Confessions 7.10)
Which kingdom are we choosing? Are we working to build up Jesus within us or are we working for the things of the world? Our Mother Mary shows us total abandonment to find life and the Truth in faith, hope and love. She shows us by her example.
My ultimate goal is to find myself in heaven along with my family, loved ones and friends. The people that God put in my life, whether for a brief encounter, should also be part of my goal of introducing God to others.
I want to be with Jesus for eternity. How I work for this depends on what path I choose to take. Paul and Timothy were docile and obedient to the Holy Spirit and their work grew exponentially. Avoid venial sin as well as mortal sin, lukewarmness, malaise to the near occasion of sin. Instead, frequent church for confession, adoration, daily recitation of the rosary, daily Mass with reception of the Holy Eucharist. These are steps that will help us to be conformed with God.
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