Guided by the Holy Spirit: Persecution and God's Love in the World
May 4, 2024 - Saturday of the Fifth Week of Easter
Acts 16:1-10; Psalm 100:1b-2, 3, 5; John 15:18-21
Today's first reading comes from Luke's narration of Paul's second missionary journey, which took place around 50-52 AD. Paul, having parted ways with Barnabas, embarked on this journey with Silas. Luke's account of the growth of the Church in various parts of the Roman Empire highlights the guiding hand of the Holy Spirit throughout Paul's journey. Initially, Paul and Silas intended to go further east and preach the Gospel in the Asian province of the Roman Empire. However, the Holy Spirit had other plans and led them westward towards Europe.
Psalm 100, which accompanies our first reading, is a hymn of praise that invites the community to worship. The reasons for this praise are rooted in God's kindness, unending love, and faithfulness. The psalmist proclaims that God is always with us, cares for us, and keeps His promises. Our first reading demonstrates this truth, as the Holy Spirit guided the steps of Christ's disciples, just as Jesus had promised in Matthew 28:20, "behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
In today's Gospel, Jesus warns His disciples that they will be hated and persecuted for their faith. This persecution arises from the world's rejection of God's love, as not everyone responds positively to God's love. However, Jesus, who predicted that the world would treat His followers in the same way it treated Him, remains the Lord of history, guiding the mission and growth of the Church in the world.
As Christ's disciples, we must remember that we were once of the world, but now we are no longer part of it. Jesus has "fished" us out of the world, and we have responded to His call with faith and obedience. In baptism, we have been born from above through the Holy Spirit, and we now live for God, no longer for the sinful world. The sinful world cannot comprehend the love and kindness of God, as it is focused on sin and injustice. However, as believers, we are called to proclaim God's love and justice in the world, even in the face of persecution.
The Church has faced numerous challenges, trials, and persecutions throughout its history. However, the Lord has never abandoned His Church but has consistently guided and protected it through His Spirit. Therefore, let us declare with the psalmist, "The LORD is good: his kindness endures forever, and his faithfulness, to all generations" (Ps. 100:5).