SATURDAY OF THE FIFTH WEEK OF EASTER - Gospel (John 15:18-21) - The Word of God for Everyone

SATURDAY OF THE FIFTH WEEK OF EASTER Gospel (John 15:18-21) Jesus said to his disciples: "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." The Gospel of the Lord: Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ. The Word of God for Everyone Dear People of God, Today’s Word of God: God calls all His children to look to the example of Jesus Christ, who sacrificed, died, and was resurrected to save all humanity. God reveals to His children of light that when He came down to earth as a human—to save and to show His love for humanity—He was condemned, hated, and rejected by the world. He did nothing wrong, so why was He condemned, rejected, and killed? It was because of the jealousy and hatred of Satan and of the world. They did not want God to love humanity, nor did they want people to receive eternal life with God the Father. Therefore, they sought every way to exclude and to kill. But God's love always conquers death. It always triumphs over the hatred, jealousy, and envy of Satan and of the world. This is the Word of God teaching mankind: When following the light of God the Father, we will also suffer, be condemned, and be rejected by the world. God teaches this in advance, so that when facing difficulties and challenges, we may remain steadfast, with absolute trust and loyalty to God the Father. Look to the example of Jesus Christ—the only Son of God—who died on the cross. From His example, we are given courage to walk the path of light and truth to reach God the Father. God the Father is the only true Teacher. All who listen to His Word and put it into practice will overcome temptation and defeat Satan’s attacks. Let us conquer hatred with love, and destroy death with love. Let us live out the commandment of love that God calls all humanity to: to love God above all things, and to love others as ourselves. Only by living in this way can we conquer the world and overcome death. In this new era, God the Father also calls upon His children, who are following in His plan. Be courageous and steadfast in this mission. Be faithful, obedient, and do His will—so that God the Father may save and grant eternal life, and so that Satan may have to retreat. Listen to the teachings of God the Father and put them into practice—do not merely listen and ignore. For the Word of God has the power to help people overcome difficulties, challenges, and persecutions brought by a world that seeks to condemn and exclude. Thanks be to God. Amen.