Gospel: 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 Gospel of the Lord.
The Mass intention is for a Private Intention.
Reflection:
I am amazed at couples who have been married for several years. An aunt and an uncle celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this year. A former teacher and her husband have been married for almost 56 years this year. Queen Elizabeth II and the late Prince Philip were married for 73 years. For being married for several years, it is not enough for the couple to be in love with each other. They must remain in love!
This is also true in our relationship with the Lord. As Emmanuel (“God-is-with-us”), He invites us to a personal relationship with Him. “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness” (Jeremiah 31:3). Such is Jesus’ love for us that He even offered His life on the cross to save us. Our relationship with Him may last a few or many years. Sometimes, we feel happy and at peace. Sometimes, we experience “a dark night of the soul”. Sometimes, we are tempted to give up. Regardless, let us ask for the grace to always obey what He tells us: “Remain in my love”.
- How do you stay in love with the Lord?
- If you are married, how do you stay in love with your spouse?
- How can the joy of Christ make your joy complete?
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your Word today. Keep us faithful in remaining in Your love that our joy may be complete. Amen.
(Pietro)
