May 17, 2009: 6th Sunday of Easter

“As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love. .."

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 may be in you and your joy might be complete. This is my commandment: love one another as I love you.” (John 15: 9-12)

Jesus gives us a clear meaning of the word “love” in this passage from the Gospel of John. Love is obedience. We love God when we do what God wants us to do. And how do we know what God wants us to do? Listen to Jesus’ words. Love as Jesus loves. Follow Jesus’ example. Jesus was completely unselfish. Jesus put others first. Jesus often spent time with his Father; in other words, he prayed. He knew what God wanted of him because he listened to his Father. Obedience means “to listen”. Of course, listening is not enough. We must also act! As with God, you prove your love for your parents when you do what they ask of you.

Action:

As you listen to God in prayer and as you listen to your parents, are you doing what they are asking? Ask Jesus to help you when you don’t feel like obeying or when you just don’t want to do as you’re told. Remember, Jesus understands what it’s like to be human. He was human!