Entitlement!

Saturday, May 4, 2024

Acts 16:1-10; Jn 15:18-21

Today’s Gospel highlights Christian entitlement. 

Through Jesus’ words, we reflect on what we can hope to expect as followers of Christ. 

Treated Like Christ: As disciples of Christ, we cannot expect a different treatment from that which he was subjected to. Jesus makes it clear that ‘No slave is greater than his master.’ Imitation of Christ is not only walking in his footsteps but also having a taste of his life. 

Countervalue as the Gospel: Disciples of Christ are known to be non-conformists. In conformity with Christ, they cannot conform to the world. It is not out of vainglory that Christians antagonize the world, but because the demands of the world put them in direct conflict with the teachings of the Lord, they make an informed decision to follow the Lord faithfully. 

In Jesus’ Name: The name of Christ is the touchstone of Christian life. Informed by Christ, praise or blame depends on our discipleship. We thrive or suffer in Christ’s name. Hence, Christ is our beginning and end. That our lives will be permanently shaped by the name of Christ is the first fact that we embrace as the Lord’s disciples. 

How prepared are we to accept such an entitlement?

Fr. Dhinakaran Savariyar