Saturday of the 5th week of Eastertide Gospel: John 15:18-21In today’s Gospel, Jesus speaks with realism and hope: “If the world hates you, realize that it hated me first.” The Resurrection does not mean that opposition disappears; it means that hatred no longer has the power to triumph. The Risen Christ has already passed through rejection, suffering, abandonment, and death, and He overcame them through love and fidelity to the Father. Therefore, the disciple should not be surprised when faithfulness to Christ brings misunderstanding or resistance. Yet this hostility cannot destroy the life received from the Resurrection. The world rejected Christ because it did not truly know the Father, but the Resurrection revealed that truth, love, and life belong ultimately to God and not to the powers of darkness. To live as disciples of the Risen Lord means to remain steadfast without becoming bitter, to respond to hatred without losing love, and to persevere without fear. During this Easter season, we are invited to find courage in the victory of Christ, knowing that the One who was hated first is now risen and alive, and that His love remains stronger than every rejection of the world. Let’s reflect: Easter is remaining faithful to the Risen Christ with love and courage, knowing that His victory is greater than the hatred of the world.
Don Giorgio