LIVE IT TODAY: Saturday, May 9, 2026
You are chosen out of the world—stand firm in Me when you are oppose.
LIVE IT TODAY: Saturday, May 9, 2026
A GREAT WAY TO BEGIN TODAY!
SUBSCRIBE FREE: LiveITToday.us
LISTEN NOW: Live IT Today Podcast A new episode drops every Saturday.
GOD’S DECLARATION TO YOU TODAY
You are chosen out of the world—stand firm in Me when you are opposed.
INVOCATION
Come, Holy Spirit! Through the intercession of Our Blessed Mother Mary, open my heart to hear and receive all that You desire for me. Draw me ever more deeply into the Love and Life of the Blessed Trinity!
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.”
EVERY DAY QUESTION
What struck you? Challenged you? Inspired you? What questions did it raise?
GOING DEEPER
Chosen by Christ means set apart from the world.
Do you desire to belong to Christ more than you desire to be accepted by the world?
Jesus speaks with sobering clarity: “If the world hates you…” Not might. Not could. Will. The word “world” here comes from the Greek kosmos—not creation itself, but a system opposed to God, rooted in pride, self-sufficiency, and rebellion. To belong to Christ is to be out of sync with that system.
And He reveals the deeper truth: “It hated me first.” This reframes rejection. When we are dismissed, misunderstood, or opposed for living the Gospel, it is not ultimately about us—it is about Him. Rejection for Christ is recognition of belonging to Christ.
Jesus also reminds us: “No slave is greater than his master.” Discipleship is not a comfortable path—it is a conforming one. To follow Him is to share in both His love and His suffering. We cannot claim His promises while avoiding His pattern.
This is where many struggle today. We want to be faithful—but also liked. Convicted—but not controversial. Clear—but not costly. Yet Jesus calls us beyond this tension. Compromise creates comfort but cancels conviction.
In our homes, this reality must be faced honestly. Our children are growing up in a culture that often opposes the truth of the Gospel—on identity, morality, purpose. If we are not forming them intentionally, the world will form them passively. The domestic church must be a place where truth is lived boldly and explained clearly.
This does not mean harshness—it means clarity with charity. Love without truth is sentiment. Truth without love is harsh. But Christ gives us both. And He calls us to embody both, even when it costs us.
And notice why the world reacts this way: “because they do not know the one who sent me.” At its root, rejection of truth is rooted in lack of relationship with God. This should move us not to anger, but to mission—to witness, to pray, to love even those who oppose us.
Today, stand firm in your identity. You are chosen out of the world, not to escape it, but to transform it. Parents, lead with courage. Form your children in truth. Pray over them by name, especially for strength in the face of pressure and opposition. And trust that as you remain faithful, Christ will use your witness to bear fruit far beyond what you can see.
“Before Christ’s second coming the Church must pass through a final trial that will shake the faith of many believers. The persecution that accompanies her pilgrimage on earth will unveil the ‘mystery of iniquity’…” (CCC 675)
LIFE APPLICATION QUESTIONS
In My Heart: Where am I tempted to seek approval from the world instead of remaining faithful to Christ?
In My Home: How can we better prepare our family to stand firm in truth with love and courage?
In My World: Where is God calling me to witness to Him, even if it leads to rejection or discomfort?
FAMILY LIVE IT
Make some time today to gather together and, going around … share one situation where it can be difficult to live out your faith openly.
Then pray together as a family. Lay hands on each person and pray over them by name:
“Jesus, You have chosen [Name] out of the world. Strengthen them to stand firm in truth. Give them courage when they are challenged, peace when they are rejected, and love for those who oppose them. Help them remain faithful to You in all things.”
Pray for a deep awareness of belonging to Christ, freedom from fear of rejection, strength to stand in truth, and joy in living boldly for the Gospel.
Daily Challenge: Choose one moment today to stand for truth with love—even if it feels uncomfortable.
DAILY PARENT & GRANDPARENT BLESSING
LORD JESUS CHRIST, let Your holy anointing be upon each of our children, grandchildren, and godchildren this day and week, including all to whom they are called in vocation, and all future generations! In Your Sacred Name we claim them for You! We renounce all whispers, lies, and influences of the Enemy! We pray right now that each know Your loving Presence, be forged in virtue, and be flooded with an abundance of Your Holy Spirit to live fully their identity and mission in You now and through all eternity, through the intercession of our Blessed Mother! Amen.
PARENT BLESSING PROJECT: bit.ly/ParentBlessing
GOING VERTICAL
“Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10
Just as the vertical beam upholds the horizontal beam of the Cross, so too does undistracted, dedicated daily turning to God as our lifeblood uphold and strengthen every part of life. Start with just three minutes. Wait patiently for the breakthrough beyond the noise. Let Him speak.
ENTER THE RIDE OF A LIFETIME: LifeTimeRide.com
Listen to the moving song, Ride Of A Lifetime:
Spotify | Apple | Other
TODAY’S SPONSORSHIP
Sponsored by the generosity of the Pat & Patti McNamara Family, American Crafted Furniture 6639 Airport Highway Holland, OH 43528 | 419-725-7880
Would you, your business or organization like to help us spread these daily reflections? Contact us at Alive@MassImpact.us to learn more.
WE WANT TO PRAY FOR YOU!
Please share your prayer intentions in the comments at LiveITToday.us