Sixth Sunday of Easter

May 21, 2017

First Reading: Acts 8:5-8, 14-17 -- Psalms 66:1-3, 4-5, 6-7, 16, 20 R./ Let all the earth cry out to God with joy. Or: Alleluia. -- Second Reading: 1 Peter 3:15-18 -- GOSPEL: John 14:15-21

If a=b, and b=c, then a=c. This is one of the principles in logic. We can use this in our analogy about the Gospel.

In the Gospel, Jesus said to his disciples: “I am in my Father, and you in me…They who have my commandments and keep them are those who love me; and those who love me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them. [vv. 20-21]” Using the analogy above, if “a” is the Father, ”b” is Jesus, and ”c” is the disciples, then we could say that there is an existing relationship among the three.

If the Father is in Jesus, and Jesus is in the disciples, then, the Father is in the disciples also. Furthermore, if Jesus keeps the Father’s commandments, and the disciples keep the commandments of Jesus, therefore, the disciples keep the Father’s commandments.

Relationship is very important. In the Gospel Jesus emphasized the love/indwelling relationship between Him and His Father, and between Him and his disciples. The invitation here is for the disciples to keep the commandments of Jesus so that they could be loved by Jesus and the Father. This is not a condition or requirement but an invitation to cooperate. Because everyone knows that the love of God is unconditional and unfathomable.

The indwelling of God in us is based on our relationship with Jesus. Yes, we know that nothing can separate us from the love of God but to be able for God to indwell in us, we have to follow the words of Jesus. Just like a door, God could not stay in us if door is closed. Therefore, we are invited by Jesus to have an intimate relationship with so that He could stay in us. This is discipleship.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, come into our heart. Help us to follow you and your commandments. Just like the invitation of Cleopas and the other disciple: “Stay with us, Lord.” Because we believe that we can do nothing without you. Amen.

Fr. Ren Ligeralde, CJM

Main source: eudistsphilippines.com

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