Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 15, 9-11
Jesus said to his disciples:
“As the Father loves me, so I also love you.
Remain in my love.
If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love,
just as I have kept my Father’s commandments
and remain in his love.
“I have told you this so that
my joy might be in you and
your joy might be complete.”
The Father’s love
1. As the Father loves me. Jesus begins by highlighting the very source of love: God, the Father. We can’t give what we haven’t received, and in the Christian journey, it is the experience of feeling loved and even contemplated by God himself that enables us to love others and walk with them. Loving means accepting people as they are, while also encouraging them to grow and realize their potential. Through Jesus, we are invited to give of ourselves authentically, trusting that faith helps us to grow and become better people. Those who believe, love; and those who love, serve.
2. Remain. No matter what you go through or how much you suffer, always return to prayer and your inner life. Remember that you belong to Christ, and living your life means making choices. Ask Jesus for the strength to stand by your decisions so you can stay committed to them. To remain also means being consistent in your actions and learning to be steadfast in the goals and plans you set for your life.
3. Joy. Happiness comes from seeing things from God’s point of view. When you stay rooted in God and focus on what truly matters within you, everything else becomes secondary. Living and enjoying life is a continual challenge, but it’s important to appreciate what you do rather than dwell on past regrets or what hasn’t happened. Learn to embrace and enjoy your current experiences instead of constantly questioning them. Today, ask Jesus to watch over your heart and fill you with His peace.
Always remember something good is on the way!
God bless you and be with you in the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
