Monday of the Fifth Week of Easter, May 19, 2025

Gospel

John 14:21-26

Jesus said to his disciples:

"Whoever has my commandments and observes them

is the one who loves me.

Whoever loves me will be loved by my Father,

and I will love him and reveal myself to him."

Judas, not the Iscariot, said to him,

"Master, then what happened that you will reveal yourself to us

and not to the world?"

Jesus answered and said to him,

"Whoever loves me will keep my word,

and my Father will love him,

and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him.

Whoever does not love me does not keep my words;

yet the word you hear is not mine

but that of the Father who sent me.

"I have told you this while I am with you.

The Advocate, the Holy Spirit

whom the Father will send in my name--

he will teach you everything

and remind you of all that I told you."

Reflection

One of our parish priests gave a beautiful homily this past Sunday, reminding us that love should not be repaid but passed on. It made me think of what a great legacy that would be, to live in such a way that love flows through us into the lives of others. And isn’t that exactly what Jesus wants? Christ’s love for us can never be repaid in full, for there is no greater love than what He has shown us, laying down His life, offering us mercy, grace, and the promise of eternal life. But repayment isn’t what He asks us for.

In today’s Gospel Jesus says, “Whoever loves me will keep my word” and “Whoever has my commandments and observes them is the one who loves me”. These lines are both powerful and challenging. When we really love Jesus, His word becomes our guide, and we begin to love others the way He has loved us. That’s what makes Christian love so unique. It’s not transactional, and it’s contagious when lived authentically.

Love isn’t shown only in grand gestures. It’s shown in the daily choice to forgive, to serve, to be patient, to listen. It’s in the choice to keep His commandments, even when it’s hard. That’s how we pass on the love we've received and that’s how we let God dwell within us.