Dealing with rejection
From today’s Scripture: “If the world hates you, realize that it hated me first.”—Jn 15:18
The word hate is so negative that even its mention can trigger adverse feelings inside of us. We remember vividly when this word has been used against us, or when we have, ourselves, uttered this word toward others, perhaps in a state of passion. It hurts. The pain remains.
Jesus drops a bomb on us in the Gospel today. He pretty much tells us that if we follow him, some people will hate us. This is a hard saying to hear.
Jesus gave us the way to deal with rejection: We are called to love even when we are hated. He did this, of course, as hatred hung him on the cross. During this moment he loved, and even forgave, the very ones who pounded in the nails.
We may struggle to love those who hate us but, be assured, that Jesus has shown us the way and will be there for us when we, too, experience rejection.
Let us pray: Help me, Lord God, to guard my tongue so as not to speak words of hate. When I am hated, help me to continue to love, just as you did as you hung on the cross for me. Amen.
Today’s author is Father Aaron Wessman, First Vice President of Glenmary. His most recent mission assignment was in Bertie County, North Carolina.
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