Word to the Wise
Thursday, May 22, 2025 - 5th Week of Easter - Thurs
[Acts 15:7-21 and John 15:9-11]"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 my joy might be in you and your joy might be complete." [John]
If you were challenged to describe your relationship with your closest friends, or spouse, or children or parents, would there be any words that could capture that relationship? How does that relationship endure? Perhaps, as a result of the relationship itself, there is a mutual agreement to do certain things in a certain way at certain times, but would that mutual agreement describe the relationship itself? Human friendship is a dynamic reality, subject to many ups and downs as the parties move through life. It can grow deeper or more distant depending on the commitment. How does one "remain" in love with someone else?
In the continuation of Jesus' image of the vine and branches, he challenges the disciples (which includes us) to "REMAIN in my love!" On retreats I often challenge the retreatants to do a "history of love" in their lives. Is it a history of broken commitments with only "friends for a season?" Is it only a matter of cards at Christmas and birthdays? In a marriage, what happens to the "love" that began the relationship? How do the spouses "remain" in love?
We human disciples must love Jesus as best we can. "Remaining" in that love is a challenge because we are imperfect beings (just as spouses learn fairly soon after the wedding). It is more than adhering to doctrines, dogmas and traditions - these are expressions of the truths that we learn about our faith. Emotions and needs enter into the picture as well. "Remaining" in Jesus' love may mean the regular "pruning" that he mentions, whether sacramental or simply in kitchen table challenges. Those "theological virtues" of faith, hope and love are expressions of the power to remain in Jesus' love. Those "cardinal" virtues of prudence, justice, fortitude and temperance are expressions of our active efforts to "remain" in love. Jesus' challenge is a big one and acknowledged saints can inspire us, but in the end, it is our faith in Jesus that will make it possible to "remain." AMEN
Comment on Reflection
<< Previous Date [Back to List] Next Date >>