I have chosen you out of the world

One of the realities of Christian discipleship is the experience of suffering and persecution. Why? Because the disciples cannot be greater than their master:

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"If the world hates you, realize that it hated me first" (v 18). But there is deeper reason according to Jesus: the disciples do not belong to the world, that is, they are not identified to the "fleshly principles" of ambition, power, and vain pleasures of life. Their identity is rooted in their union with the ways of God, the way of light, grace, and truth (3:19-21).

Oftentimes, we need to review our values and see whether we are giving in to the temptation of seeking the praise and esteem of the world in exchange for the values of truth and justice. We need to reinforce the conviction that Jesus himself has "chosen us out of the world" and will therefore give us the strength to overcome every temptation.

First Reading • Acts 16:1-10