Fr Paul reads from John’s Gospel (15:18-21) in which Jesus tells his disciples, ‘If the world hates you, remember that it hated me before it hated you’.

At the conclusion of his reflection, aware that this weekend (9 May) is Mother’s Day here in Australia, Fr Paul offers a special blessing for all Mums, living and dead.

This Gospel today raises the question: how much did Jesus know of what was going to happen to him by way of suffering, torture, and death?

Fr Paul says, Jesus knows he was betrayed.  He knows his enemies are coming for him. From the beginning of his Ministry, at Cana, the Gospel writer (John) talks of the hour that was to come.  John the Baptist has already been killed for proclaiming the news about Jesus.  From these very beginnings, then, the followers of Christ have always been under threat. The words of Jesus still hold true till today; ‘If they persecuted me; they will persecute you too’.

For our reflection today, Fr Paul invites us to pray for all those in our world today who are being persecuted because of their faith.