Sixth Sunday of Easter
Acts 10:25-26; 34-35; 44-48 - Psalm 98 - 1 John 4:7-10 - John 15: 9-17
This Sunday’s readings invite us to abide in the love of Jesus. How do we do this?
We are told that we must, just as the Apostles were told, to keep the commandments. Jesus kept his Father’s commandments, which we can observe in all he did. Jesus is the model we must all imitate as we strive to practice love.
Keeping true to what Jesus asks, we, as Christians, should find joy as part of our response.
Jesus teaches us to love one another as I have loved you. It is easy to love our friends, but we are also called to love our enemies, which is much harder to do. First, we are called to be friends with Jesus, bringing us closer to the Father. The more we love and know Jesus, the Risen Christ, the more we know the heart of God.
Jesus chose the Apostles to do God’s work - “You did not choose me, but I chose you.”
So, too, are we called to do the same.
This Gospel also calls us to love’s greatest expression - dying for one’s friends.
To be positive and bear fruit means making wise choices and decisions, acting thoughtfully over a lifetime, and discerning our best through word and action that best serve a loving God in this world and seen in the risen Christ.
As we approach the Ascension and Pentecost, may we attempt to be more loving, positive, and thoughtful with everyone we meet today, especially as we continue our journey to the Father.
Let us Pray:
Jesus, grant us all the graces we need to love you more and to keep the commandments as you call us to do. Amen.
Sr. Barbara Werner, OP