REFLECTIONS ON THE WORD (Juan 15, 9-17)

Jesus stresses the importance of obedience to His commandments as a demonstration of our love for Him. True faith is not just a matter of belief but also requires a commitment to living a life that is pleasing to God, following the example set by Jesus.

In John’s Gospel, we hear Jesus affirm that he is known by the Father and that his disciples will know the Father by knowing Jesus. Jesus reminds his disciples that this knowledge is to be expressed in love. Those who know Jesus well—and Jesus says that his disciples do know him—will love one another. Knowledge leads to love, which leads to action. A true disciple shows a particular kind of love, sacrificial love.

We know that Jesus himself gives us the greatest example of the kind of love and service that he teaches to his disciples. He has, in fact, laid down his life for his friends, for his disciples, and for us. Through his death and Resurrection, we have received the grace to love others as Jesus has commanded. How do we experience God’s love and how do we express his love to others? (Fr. Rolo Alcasid, SDB)