THURSDAY OF THE FIFTH WEEK OF EASTER, MAY 7, 2026

MASS READINGS:

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.”

REFLECTION

As the Father loves me, so I also love you

The love of Jesus is constant and unchanging. It is very hard to comprehend this if we compare or contrast what Jesus says with what we actually experience in our day to day encounters with people.

Jesus is bigger than any of our circumstances. And He tells us that His joy will be in us and our joy complete if we remain in His love. Obedience is the fruit of love --a natural outcome of a loving relationship with God rather than a strict obligation or mechanism to earn favor.

Remain obedient to His Commandments. This joy is distinct from happiness, remaining with us even amidst trials.

God Bless You