When the World Rejects Christianity

Gospel Reflection for May 6, 2024

“When the Advocate comes whom I will send you from the Father, the Spirit of truth that proceeds from the Father, he will testify to me. And you also testify, because you have been with me from the beginning.

I have told you this so that you may not fall away. They will expel you from the synagogues; in fact, the hour is coming when everyone who kills you will think he is offering worship to God. They will do this because they have not known either the Father or me. I have told you this so that when their hour comes you may remember that I told you.” (John 15:26-16:4 NABRE)

We are currently witnessing the reality and truth of Jesus’ words, as people today proudly and actively persecute Christians, all while believing that they are doing the right thing. They think that Christians are judgmental and intolerant hypocrites who are stuck in the past of old-fashioned thinking. Our beliefs contradict their relativistic worldviews, and so people today reject Christianity.

Yet, Jesus tells us in today’s Gospel to remember these prophetic words of His, so that we won’t fall away into this mindset of the world.

The world tells us, “Be and do whatever you want!... experience everything the world has to offer… seek pleasures of any kind… money, sex, drugs… do whatever makes you happy… etc.”

People who embrace and encourage this mindset believe that they are being loving and accepting by not placing limitations on others. Yet, promoting people to live for the world could not be more unloving, as this path leads only to destruction.

“The gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and those who enter through it are many.” (Matt. 7:13)

In contrast to the world, Jesus tells each of us to find our identity, happiness, and peace in HIM. You are His child, and He calls you to seek what is above because you were made for more than this world. Value yourself and carry yourself as a child of the One True God and as a Temple of the Holy Spirit, and do not resort to destructive, devaluing, and meaningless temporary pleasures. Living for the world leads to emptiness. Living for Jesus leads to fulfillment and life.

Obviously, then, Christians are not unloving or old-fashioned by desiring to pursue righteousness and holiness, or by encouraging others to do the same. We desire good for others! What is unloving, is the modern culture which promotes destructive evils and encourages sin.

So, stand firm in your faith in Jesus and in your Christian beliefs. The world will try to tell you you’re wrong, but Jesus warned us of this. My brothers and sisters in Christ, stay strong in faith and live for the Lord in everything you do.

“Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect.” (Rom. 12:2)