Love of God and Neighbor

Gospel

Luke 10:25-37

25 There was a scholar of the law who stood up to test Jesus and said, “Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 26 Jesus said to him, “What is written in the law? How do you read it?” 27 He said in reply, “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” 28 He replied to him, “You have answered correctly; do this and you will live.” 29 But because he wished to justify himself, he said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” 30 Jesus replied, “A man fell victim to robbers as he went down from Jerusalem to Jericho. They stripped and beat him and went off leaving him half-dead. 31 A priest happened to be going down that road, but when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side. 32 Likewise a Levite came to the place, and when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side. 33 But a Samaritan traveler who came upon him was moved with compassion at the sight. 34 He approached the victim, poured oil and wine over his wounds and bandaged them. Then he lifted him up on his own animal, took him to an inn and cared for him. 35 The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper with the instruction, ‘Take care of him. If you spend more than what I have given you, I shall repay you on my way back.’ 36 Which of these three, in your opinion, was neighbor to the robbers’ victim?” 37 He answered, “The one who treated him with mercy.” Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.” 

Historical Background

The parable unfolds on the road from Jerusalem to Jericho—a notoriously dangerous 28 km descent known for banditry. Archaeological surveys confirm ruins of watchtowers and Herodian milestones, grounding Jesus’ story in a real and perilous landscape.

Judea and Galilee were under Roman rule, with heavy taxation and social unrest. Messianic hopes and debates about righteousness were common, especially among religious factions like the Pharisees and Sadducees.

The “lawyer” who questions Jesus is a nomikos—an expert in Mosaic Law and oral tradition. Such figures often tested teachers through halakhic debate, a common pedagogical method in rabbinic circles.

Samaritans were despised by Jews due to centuries of religious and political division. Making a Samaritan the hero was a radical reversal of expectations, challenging deep-seated prejudices.

Theological Context

The lawyer’s question “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” echoes Second Temple Jewish concerns about righteousness and covenant inheritance. Jesus responds by pointing to the Shema (Deut. 6:5) and Leviticus 19:18—love of God and neighbor.

The lawyer seeks to “justify himself” by narrowing the definition of “neighbor.” Jesus counters with a story that expands neighborliness beyond ethnic and religious boundaries.

The Samaritan’s compassion reflects prevenient grace—mercy shown before it’s deserved. His actions embody justifying and sanctifying grace, inviting hearers to “go and do likewise” (v. 37).

In Wesleyan theology, holiness is not just inward but outward. The Samaritan models “practical divinity”—faith expressed through sacrificial service.

Learning Lessons

True righteousness is not just doctrinal correctness but active love. The parable challenges us to embody mercy, even toward those we might culturally or socially avoid.

All that you say and do must always be grounded for the love of God and neighbor. The richness of God's grace and glory comes out of His love for you which you too must emulate. Whatever you do to the least, the lost, and the last, you did for Jesus. 

Jesus redefines “neighbor” not by proximity or similarity, but by compassion. Anyone in need is our neighbor.

The priest and Levite may have avoided the wounded man due to ritual purity laws or busyness. The Samaritan allows his journey to be interrupted—mercy is inconvenient but necessary.

The despised outsider becomes the moral exemplar. This echoes Luke’s broader theme of divine reversal—exalting the humble and challenging the proud (Luke 1:52–53).

In the quiet dawn, His love does rise,

A beacon bright in morning skies.

With every breath, His grace we find,

A love so pure, so kind, so blind.

He whispers through the rustling leaves,

In every heart that truly believes.

His love, a river, deep and wide,

Flows through our souls, a constant guide.

To love our neighbor as our own,

In this, His greatest love is shown.

A hand to hold, a heart to share,

In every act, His love is there.

For in each smile and gentle deed,

We plant His love, a precious seed.

And as it grows, the world will see,

The boundless love of God in thee.

Dear Lord Jesus,

We come before You with humble hearts, seeking Your divine presence in our lives. Your love, O Lord, is the foundation upon which we stand, a love so vast and unending that it encompasses all creation.

Teach us, Lord, to love as You love. Help us to see Your face in every person we meet, to extend our hands in kindness, and to open our hearts in compassion. May we love our neighbors as ourselves, reflecting Your grace and mercy in all our actions.

Grant us the strength to forgive, the courage to serve, and the wisdom to understand. Let Your love flow through us, breaking down barriers and building bridges of peace and unity.

In moments of doubt, remind us of Your unwavering love. In times of struggle, be our guiding light. And in all things, may we glorify Your name by living out the commandment to love one another as You have loved us.

We ask this in Your holy name, Lord Jesus.

Amen.

Pericope:

V: The Journey to Jerusalem: Luke's Travel Narrative

THE GREATEST COMMANDMENT / 

THE PARABALE OF THE GOOD SAMARITAN

Luke 10:25-28 / 29-37

Gospel Acclamation 

I give you a new commandment: love one another as I loved you.

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Published:

July 13, 2025, 7:12 AM

October 07, 2024, 5:27 AM

Love and Do Good

Gospel 

Luke 6:27-38 

27 Jesus said to his disciples: “To you who hear I say, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 29 To the person who strikes you on one cheek, offer the other one as well, and from the person who takes your cloak, do not with hold even your tunic. 30 Give to everyone who asks of you, and from the one who takes what is yours do not demand it back. 31 Do to others as you would have them do to you. 32 For if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do the same. 34 If you lend money to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, and get back the same amount. 35 But rather, love your enemies and do good to them, and lend expecting nothing back; then your reward will be great and you will be children of the Most High, for he himself is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. 36 Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. 37 Stop judging and you will not be judged. Stop condemning and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven. 38 Give and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap. For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you.” 

Historical Background: 

The teachings were revolutionary in the context of first-century Jewish society, which was under Roman occupation. Many Jews expected a Messiah who would lead a revolt against their oppressors, but Jesus’ message of love and non-violence was counter-cultural.

Theological Context: 

Jesus’ teachings reflect the nature of God’s kingdom, which is characterized by mercy, love, and justice. The call to love enemies and show mercy aligns with God’s character and the eschatological hope of a transformed world. For the early Christian community, these teachings provided a blueprint for living out their faith in a hostile environment. They were called to be distinct in their love and mercy, reflecting God’s kingdom values in their daily lives.

Learning Lessons

God’s love is unconditional. Jesus calls us to love even those who oppose or harm us. True love extends beyond those who love us back. We should practice kindness and compassion towards everyone, including those who may not treat us well. Acts of kindness should be selfless, not motivated by the expectation of reciprocation. This cultivates a heart of genuine compassion.

When faced with conflict, it is better to choose to de-escalate and forgive rather than retaliate. This promotes peace and reconciliation. Our actions and words affect others. We should treat others as we would like to be treated and avoid judging others harshly. Reflecting God’s character in our lives requires us to be merciful and generous, use empathy in our interactions, strive to act with kindness and respect, and respond to aggression with peace and forgiveness, not revenge.

Let us live out our faith in practical ways, embodying the love, mercy, and generosity that Jesus exemplified. They encourage us to rise above natural inclinations towards retaliation and selfishness, aiming instead to reflect God’s kingdom values in our daily lives.

In the light of Jesus’ call, we stand, 

To live our faith with heart and hand. 

Embody love, mercy, and grace, 

Reflecting God’s kingdom in every place.

Rise above the urge to retaliate, 

Choose selflessness over selfish fate. 

Acts of kindness, pure and true, 

Not for reward, but because it’s due.

Consider how our words and deeds, 

Affect the hearts and meet the needs. 

With kindness, respect, and gentle care, 

In every action, everywhere.

When conflict comes, choose to forgive, 

In peace and love, let us live. 

True love extends beyond the known, 

To every heart, let kindness be shown.

Compassion for all, near and far, 

Reflecting God’s love, like a shining star. 

In every moment, let us strive, 

To keep Jesus’ teachings alive.

Lord Jesus,

Your teachings challenge us to live our faith in practical ways, to embody love, mercy, and generosity in all our days. Help us rise above our natural inclinations towards retaliation and selfishness, and instead, reflect Your kingdom values in our daily lives.

Guide us to perform acts of kindness selflessly, not motivated by the expectation of reciprocation, But out of pure love and devotion to You. May we engage in service and generosity without seeking recognition or reward.

Let us always consider how our actions and words affect others, striving to act with kindness and respect. When faced with conflict, grant us the strength to de-escalate and forgive, rather than retaliate.

Teach us that true love extends beyond those who love us back, and to practice kindness and compassion towards everyone, including those who may not treat us well.

In Your holy name, we pray.

Amen.

Pericope:

IV: The Ministry in Galilee

LOVE OF ENEMIES / JUDGING OTHERS

Luke 6:27-36 / 37-42

Gospel Acclamation

I give you a new commandment, says the Lord: love one another as I have loved you. 

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Published:

February 23, 2025, 7:02 AM

Love of God Revealed

 

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First Reading
1 John 4:7-16

7 Beloved, let us love one another, because love is of God; everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God. 8 Whoever is without love does not know God, for God is love. 9 In this way the love of God was revealed to us: God sent his only-begotten Son into the world so that we might have life through him. 10 In this is love: not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as expiation for our sins. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also must love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God. Yet, if we love one another, God remains in us, and his love is brought to perfection in us. 13 This is how we know that we remain in him and he in us, that he has given us of his Spirit.

Background:

The First Epistle of John (1 John) doesn’t explicitly mention the identity of the Christian community it was addressed to, nor does it specify the locale where these believers lived. However, early Christian writers provide some clues:

Ephesus emerges as a likely location. Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, Eusebius, and the apocryphal Acts of John all associate the Apostle John with Ephesus.Polycrates, bishop of Ephesus, even claimed that John the Apostle was buried there. The letter addresses false teaching within the community, emphasizing the importance of recognizing Jesus as the Christ who came in the flesh, 

Key Points:

Love is at the core of God’s nature. His love is selfless and sacrificial.  His love is demonstrated through Jesus, who came to redeem us from sin. We’re called to love one another, reflecting God’s love in our lives. When we love, God’s presence is evident in us through the Holy Spirit. 

Learning Lessons:

God is love. Love isn’t just something God does; it’s who He is. His love is selfless, unconditional, and sacrificial. As followers of Christ, we’re called to embody this love in our lives. It’s not just about loving when it’s convenient; it’s about reflecting God’s nature through our actions.

God demonstrated His love by sending Jesus as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Jesus’ death on the cross was the ultimate act of love. We find redemption and forgiveness through Jesus. Our response should be gratitude and a desire to live in alignment with His sacrificial love.

Our actions matter. Our love for others is a reflection of God’s love in us. Compassion, kindness, and forgiveness are essential. When we love others, we reveal God’s presence within us. When we love, God’s love is made complete in us. When we love, we invite the Spirit’s transformative power into our lives.

Acknowledging Jesus as the Son of God is crucial. Our testimony confirms His role as the Savior of the world. Our faith isn’t just personal; it’s meant to be shared. Our lives should testify to the truth of Christ.

God’s Love: 

A Sacrificial Symphony

In the quiet of creation’s dawn, 

Before the stars adorned the sky, 

God breathed love into existence, 

A melody that would never die.

Love isn’t just a fleeting touch, 

A passing breeze or transient flame; 

It’s the very essence of His being, 

The heartbeat of His eternal name.

God’s love isn’t bound by time or space, 

It stretches across the universe’s expanse, 

Selfless, unconditional, and sacrificial, 

A symphony played by heaven’s dance.

He wove love into the fabric of our souls, 

Inscribed it on our hearts with tender care, 

And when darkness threatened to consume, 

He sent His Son—a love beyond compare.

Jesus, the Lamb, the atoning sacrifice, 

Hung upon a rugged cross of pain, 

His blood flowed, a crimson river of grace, 

Redemption’s anthem echoing through the rain.

Through His wounds, forgiveness blossomed, 

And love’s crescendo reached its peak, 

For in that moment of selfless surrender, 

He whispered, “Child, you are not weak.”

Our response echoes through the ages, 

Gratitude rising like incense to the skies, 

We seek to mirror His sacrificial love, 

To live as vessels of His boundless prize.

Compassion, kindness, and forgiveness, 

Notes in the symphony of grace we play, 

When we love others, we harmonize, 

God’s presence within us, night and day.

And as the Spirit’s transformative power descends, 

We become instruments of love’s sweet refrain, 

Acknowledging Jesus, the Son of God, 

Our lives testify to truth—His eternal reign.

So let us sing this sacred song together, 

Embodying love’s rhythm, grace, and light, 

For God is love, and in His symphony, 

We find our purpose, our joy, our flight.

Heavenly Father,

In the quiet chambers of our hearts, we come before You with gratitude. Your love surrounds us like a gentle embrace, and we are humbled by its depth and beauty. 

Today, we lift our voices in prayer, seeking to express our thankfulness for the love that defines who You are. God, You Are Love: You are not merely a distant deity but love personified. Your love isn’t a fleeting emotion; it’s the very essence of Your being. We marvel at the selflessness with which You love us—unconditionally, sacrificially, and without reservation.

As we love, Your love is made complete in us. The Spirit’s transformative power descends, shaping us into vessels of grace. We invite You to work within us, molding our hearts to reflect Your love more fully.

Thank You, Lord, for the symphony of love that envelops us. May we continue to seek You, embodying love’s rhythm, grace, and light. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Lord Jesus, 

On that rugged cross, You bore our sins—the weight of our brokenness. Your blood flowed, a crimson river of grace, washing away our guilt. Your death was the ultimate act of love—a bridge between our fallen state and Your redeeming love. We find forgiveness and redemption through You.

May our hearts overflow with gratitude. Help us live in alignment with Your sacrificial love. Teach us to love beyond convenience—to mirror Your nature in our actions. When we encounter others, may compassion, kindness, and forgiveness flow from us, revealing Your presence within.

Jesus, Son of God, our Savior, we acknowledge You. Our faith isn’t a private affair; it’s meant to be shared. Our lives become testimonies—a living proclamation of Your truth. May our words and deeds resonate with the melody of Your love. Amen

Pericope:

III. Love for One Another

GOD'S LOVE AND CHRISTIAN LIFE

1 John 4:7-16

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Love Your Enemies

Jesus said to his disciples: 

“You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father. 

(Matthew 5:43-45)

Jesus teaches that love should not be limited to those who love us back, but extended to everyone, including our enemies. Instead of seeking revenge, we are called to respond to hostility with kindness and prayer. Loving our enemies is a way to imitate the unconditional love of God, who is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. 

The call to be perfect as the heavenly Father is perfect is a call to mature in love and moral character, striving for a higher standard of righteousness. Let us examine how we treat others and to grow in love and compassion, reflecting God’s love in our lives.

Love knows no bounds, it reaches all, 

Even those who make us stumble and fall. 

Jesus taught us to love, not just in return, 

But to extend our hearts, let His love burn.

Not just to friends, but to foes alike, 

To respond with kindness, not with strike. 

Pray for those who bring hostility near, 

For in this way, God’s love becomes clear.

God’s love is perfect, to the wicked kind, 

To the ungrateful heart, His grace we find. 

We’re called to be perfect, as our Father above, 

To mature in love, in His righteousness move.

Let us examine how we treat each soul, 

To grow in compassion, to make us whole. 

Reflecting God’s love in all that we do, 

A testament of grace, forever true.

Lord Jesus, 

Teacher of love divine, Your command to love is a holy sign. Not limited to those who love us back, But extended to all, none do we lack.

Teach us to love our enemies too, To respond with kindness in all we do. Instead of revenge, let prayer be our call, Reflecting Your grace that covers all.

You show us the way of unconditional love, Kind to the ungrateful, Your mercy from above. Help us to strive for perfection in You, In love and moral character, make us true.

May we examine how we treat friend and foe, In love and compassion, let us grow. Reflecting Your love in our daily lives, Through Your grace and truth that never dies.

To be perfect as our heavenly Father is pure, A call to righteousness that will endure. Lord Jesus, guide us in this lifelong quest, To love like You, and in Your peace rest. 

Amen.

Pericope:

II: The Proclamation of the Kingdom

LOVE OF ENEMIES

Matthew 5:43-48

Gospel Acclamation

I give you a new commandment: love one another as I have loved you. 

Gospel | Matthew 5:43-48

43 Jesus said to his disciples: “You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. 44 But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have? Do not the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet your brothers only, what is unusual about that? Do not the pagans do the same? 48 So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

Background:

Matthew 5:43-48 is part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount.

 In these verses, Jesus challenges the common understanding of love limited to those who love us in return. He teaches that true righteousness involves loving our enemies and praying for those who persecute us. This teaching was revolutionary because it extended the concept of love beyond one’s immediate community to include all people, even those considered adversaries. Jesus emphasizes that this kind of love reflects the perfection and impartiality of God, who gives good things to all people regardless of their moral standing.

Learning Lessons:

Matthew 5:43-48 offers several key lessons:

Universal Love: Jesus teaches that love should not be limited to those who love us back, but extended to everyone, including our enemies.

Non-Retaliation: Instead of seeking revenge, we are called to respond to hostility with kindness and prayer.

Imitating God’s Love: Loving our enemies is a way to imitate the unconditional love of God, who is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.

Moral Perfection: The call to be perfect as the heavenly Father is perfect is a call to mature in love and moral character, striving for a higher standard of righteousness.

These teachings encourage us to examine how we treat others and challenge us to grow in love and compassion, reflecting God’s love in our lives.

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Published:

March 15, 2025, 7:29 AM

June 18, 2024, 6:28 AM

Love One Another

 

"This is my commandment, 

that you love one another 

as I have loved you. 

Greater love has 

no man than this, 

that a man lay down his life 

for his friends. 

You are my friends 

if you do what I command you." 

(John 15:12-14)

By heaven’s call, a truth unfolds, 

A sacred love that never grows old. 

A command so pure, a bond so bright, 

Love one another, shine His light.

No greater love than one who gives, 

Who lays down life so others live. 

A friend, not servant—this He speaks, 

A love so deep, no heart could seek.

Chosen, called to bear His name, 

To spread His love, to do the same. 

Through sacrifice, through trials grim, 

We walk in love, we walk with Him.

Abide in truth, abide in grace, 

Love one another—His embrace. 

Forever bound by heaven’s creed, 

To love, to serve, in thought and deed.

Lord Jesus, 

You have called us to love as You have loved— a love that is pure, selfless, and sacrificial. Teach us to embrace this divine command, to love one another with the heart of a servant, to offer kindness without condition, and to give without expecting in return.

You laid down Your life for us, showing the depth of true love. Help us to follow Your example, to live with grace, humility, and compassion, to bear fruit that glorifies Your name, and to walk in obedience to Your will.

You call us not servants, but friends. Draw us closer to You, Lord, so we may dwell in Your truth, hear Your voice, and abide in Your presence. May Your love transform us, and may we reflect that love to the world.

Chosen and appointed by You, we seek to fulfill Your purpose, to live a life of faith and action, to be vessels of Your mercy and peace.

Lord, let Your command to love be engraved upon our hearts, so that in all we do, we may honor You.

Amen.

Pericope

III: The Book of Glory

THE VINE AND THE BRANCHES

John 15:1-17

Gospel Acclamation

I call you my friends, says the Lord, for I have made known to you all that the Father has told me.

Gospel | John 15:12-17

12 Jesus said to his disciples: “This is my commandment: love one another as I love you. 13 No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command you. 15 I no longer call you slaves, because a slave does not know what his master is doing. I have called you friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father. 16 It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you. 17 This I command you: love one another.”

John 15:12-17 is part of Jesus' farewell discourse, spoken to his disciples on the night before his crucifixion. This passage emphasizes love and friendship, with Jesus commanding his followers to love one another as he has loved them. He elevates their status from servants to friends, highlighting the deep relational aspect of discipleship.

Historical Context

This passage is set within the broader context of Jesus' final teachings before his arrest. The disciples were likely anxious and uncertain about the future, as Jesus had been warning them about his impending departure. The imagery of the vine and branches earlier in John 15 underscores the necessity of remaining connected to Jesus for spiritual sustenance.

Biblical Background

The concept of love in John 15:12-17 aligns with Old Testament teachings, particularly the command to love one's neighbor (Leviticus 19:18). However, Jesus expands this by making sacrificial love the standard—"Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends." This foreshadows his own sacrifice on the cross.

Additionally, the idea of friendship with God was rare in Jewish thought, where servanthood was the dominant relationship model. Jesus' declaration that his disciples are now his friends signifies a profound shift in their understanding of their relationship with God.

Learning Lessons

John 15:12-17 offers several profound lessons on love, friendship, and discipleship. Here are some key takeaways:

Love as a Command, Not an Option : Jesus commands his followers to love one another as he has loved them (John 15:12). This love is not based on emotion but on deliberate, selfless action, reflecting the sacrificial love that Jesus demonstrated.

The Greatest Love is Sacrificial: Jesus defines the greatest love as laying down one’s life for one’s friends (John 15:13). This foreshadows his crucifixion and teaches us that true love involves selflessness and the willingness to serve others.

Friendship with Jesus: Jesus tells his disciples that they are no longer servants but friends (John 15:15). This signifies intimacy in our relationship with Christ, where believers are entrusted with divine truths and called to live in obedience to his teachings.

Chosen and Appointed for a Purpose: Jesus reminds his disciples that he chose them (John 15:16) to go and bear lasting fruit. This teaches us that our faith is not random—we are called to live with purpose, share the Gospel, and make an impact in the world.

Love as a Reflection of God’s Choice: Ultimately, Jesus reiterates his command: love one another (John 15:17). This love is evidence of discipleship and a reflection of God's grace in our lives.

These verses challenge us to embrace sacrificial love, deepen our relationship with Jesus, and live with a sense of divine calling.

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Abide in God's Love

 

“As the Father has loved me, 

so I have loved you. 

Abide in my love." 

(John 15:9)

In the realm where feelings and actions intertwine,

There lies a love, divine and benign.

Not just a feeling, fleeting and brief,

But actions of love, bring us relief.

True joy springs from this love so deep,

In God's commands, we are to keep.

Abiding in love, a joyous ride,

In His commandments, we confide.

As the Father loves the Son, so pure,

So does Jesus, with a love so sure.

We're called to dwell in this love so vast,

A love from the beginning, to the last.

Reflecting this love in our relations,

Bridging hearts, across the nations.

Jesus shares these words, a joyous feat,

That His joy in us, may be complete.

Dear Heavenly Father,

We come before You today, acknowledging that love is not just about feelings, but also about actions. We understand that true joy comes from abiding in Your love and living according to Your commandments.

As Jesus is loved by You, so He loves us. We are called to remain in this love, reflecting it in our relationships with others. Help us, Lord, to live out this love in our daily lives, to show kindness and compassion to those around us.

Jesus shares these words so that His joy may be in us and our joy may be complete. We pray for this joy, Lord, a joy that is complete and everlasting. Fill us with Your love and joy, and guide us in our actions.

In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Pericope:

III: The Book of Glory

THE VINE AND THE BRANCHES

John 15:1-17

Gospel Acclamation

My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord; I know them, and they follow me.

Gospel | John 15:9-11

9 Jesus said to his disciples: “As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love. 10 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. 11 “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.”

Love is not just about feelings, but also about actions. True joy comes from abiding in God’s love and living according to His commandments. As Jesus is loved by the Father, so He loves us. We are called to remain in this love, reflecting it in our relationships with others.  Jesus shares these words so that His joy may be in us and our joy may be complete.

Background:

John 15:9-11 is a part of the discourse that Jesus had with His disciples, often referred to as the “Farewell Discourse”, which took place after the Last Supper and before His crucifixion. This discourse is recorded in John chapters 14 to 17.

In 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 may be in you and your joy may be complete.”

The background of this passage is deeply rooted in the relationship of love that binds the Father, the Son, and the disciples into one. The phrase “Just as the Father has loved me…;” “…just as I have loved you” (John 15:9, 12) is a key motif in John’s theology, revealing the mutual relationship of the Father, the Son, and the disciple community. As the Father has loved, so the Son loves. The Son’s love imitates and mirrors the Father’s love.

This passage is about abiding in love. The abiding relationship of the vine and branches, which culminates in the bearing of much fruit, is now given further delineation in terms of love. To “abide in the Son’s love” is to know oneself as abiding in that same love which originates in the relationship of Father and Son.

Learning Lessons:

John 15:9-11 offers several important lessons for us:

The Importance of Love: The passage emphasizes the centrality of love in our relationship with God and others. As Jesus is loved by the Father, so He loves us. We are called to remain in this love, reflecting it in our relationships with others.

Obedience to Commandments: Jesus links remaining in His love with obedience to His commandments. This teaches us that love is not just about feelings, but also about actions. It involves living according to God’s commandments.

Imitation of Christ: Just as Jesus has kept His Father’s commandments and remains in His love, we are called to do the same. This calls us to imitate Christ in our actions and attitudes.

Joy in Love: Jesus shares these words so that His joy may be in us and our joy may be complete. This teaches us that true joy comes from abiding in God’s love and living according to His commandments.

Mutual Relationship: The passage reveals the mutual relationship of the Father, the Son, and the disciple community. As the Father has loved, so the Son loves. The Son’s love imitates and mirrors the Father’s love. We, as disciples, are invited into this circle of love.

These lessons remind us of the importance of love, obedience, imitation of Christ, and the pursuit of joy in our spiritual journey. They call us to deepen our relationship with God and others, living out our faith in practical ways.

The purpose of Jesus sharing these words was so that His joy may be in the disciples and their joy may be complete. This passage emphasizes the importance of keeping Jesus’ commandments as a way to remain in His love, mirroring how Jesus has kept His Father’s commandments and remains in His love.

This discourse provides a profound insight into the nature of God’s love and the kind of relationship that Jesus desires with His followers. It encourages believers to remain in Jesus’ love by obeying His commandments, thereby experiencing complete joy.

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Love for Jesus

 

“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." 

(John 14:23)

By love we walk, by faith we see, 

A Savior’s word, so bold, so free. 

Who keeps His ways, in Him abides, 

Held in grace where hope resides.

The Father's love, so vast, so true, 

Reveals the Son in all we do. 

And in our hearts He makes His place,

A dwelling filled with boundless grace.

The Spirit comes, a holy light, 

To teach, to guide both day and night. 

Reminding hearts of words once spoken, 

A covenant never to be broken.

So walk in love, embrace His call, 

For in His arms we’ll never fall. 

The Advocate forever near, 

Our help, our strength, our whisper clear.

Lord Jesus, 

You have called us to love You, not only in word but in obedience. Teach us to walk in Your ways, to hold fast to Your commandments, so that we may dwell in Your love.

You have promised that those who love You will be loved by the Father, and You will reveal Yourself to them. Open our hearts, Lord, so that we may truly see and know You, deep within our souls.

Send forth Your Holy Spirit, the Advocate and divine Teacher, to guide us in truth, to remind us of Your words, and to strengthen us in faith.

Let us never be swayed by the world but remain firm in the love that You give. May Your presence dwell within us, and may we reflect Your love in every act, every word, and every thought.

Amen.

Pericope:

III: The Book of Glory

THE ADVOCATE

John 14:15-31

Gospel Acclamation

The Holy Spirit will teach you everything and remind you of all I told you.

Gospel | John 14:21-26

21 Jesus said to his disciples: “Whoever has my commandments and observes them is the one who loves me. And whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and reveal myself to him.” 22 Judas, not the Iscariot, said to him, “Master, then what happened that you will reveal yourself to us and not to the world?” 23 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. 24 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. 25 I have told you this while I am with you. 26 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.”

John 14:21-26 is part of Jesus' farewell discourse, a deeply personal and theological conversation He had with His disciples before His crucifixion. This passage emphasizes love, obedience, and the promise of the Holy Spirit.

Historical Context

• Setting: This conversation takes place during the Last Supper, where Jesus prepares His disciples for His departure.
• Audience: Jesus is speaking to His closest followers, reassuring them that although He will leave physically, He will remain with them spiritually.
• Cultural Background: In Jewish tradition, a teacher’s departure often meant uncertainty for disciples. Jesus counters this by promising the Holy Spirit, who will guide them.

Key Themes

• Love and Obedience: Jesus links love for Him with obedience to His commandments. 
• Revelation of Christ: He promises that those who love Him will experience a deeper revelation of His presence. 
• The Role of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit, referred to as the Advocate, will teach and remind the disciples of Jesus’ teachings.

Key Lessons

• Love Expressed Through Obedience: Jesus teaches that true love for Him is demonstrated by keeping His commandments. This challenges believers to align their actions with their faith, making obedience a reflection of love rather than mere duty. 
• The Promise of Divine Presence: Jesus assures that those who love Him will experience a deeper revelation of His presence. This means that faith is not just about belief but about an ongoing relationship with Christ. 
• The Role of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit, referred to as the Advocate, is sent to teach and remind believers of Jesus’ teachings. This highlights the importance of spiritual guidance and continuous learning in faith.
• Faith Beyond Words: Christianity is not just about intellectual belief or moral conduct but about a personal relationship with Christ. This passage encourages believers to seek intimacy with God through obedience and love.

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot