Thursday, May 7, 2015

Sixth Sunday of Easter :B

"JESUS' COMMANDMENT OF LOVE"

First Reading: Acts 10: 25-26,34-35,44-48
Second Reading: 1 John 4: 7-10
Gospel Reading: John 15: 9-17

   * Today's first reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. This passage gives us a vivid account of the Baptism of Cornelius - a non Jew and a Roman Centurian - and his family. While Peter was speaking to them about Jesus, Holy Spirit came down on them. This incident explicitly tells us that God is not selective in His love. His salvation is open to people of all nationalities. 

   * Second reading is from the first letter of St. John. This passage contains what is probably the most important statement ever made about God: that God is LOVE in its fullness. The proof of God's love is that He sent His own beloved Son to give us eternal life and make expiation for the sins of the humanity.

"Love One Another As I Have Loved You"
Today's Gospel reading is from St.John. In this passage Jesus expresses His love for His disciples. In return, their love for Him should be expressed by keeping His commandment. Jesus is not speaking of the ten commandments which God gave to Moses. In the Gospels we have certain guidelines for keeping His commandment.
It could mean the following:
1. Do not return evil for evil. Nothing is achieved by revenge and retaliation.
2. Do not judge others. Leave the judgement to God.
3. Do not worry about food and drink and cloths as if these are the most important things in life. Out first concern should be to live as Christ wants us.
4. Do not look back once you have decided to follow Jesus.
5. Let you light shine before people.
6. Love you enemies. Not just your friends and cronies.
7. Give and you will receive in abundance.
8. Forgive every one who sins against you.
9. Take this bread and eat it. Take this cup and drink from it. Eucharist is the primary nourishment to live as followers of Christ.
10. Finally, Love one another as I have loved you.
If we follow these dos and don'ts then probably we will be able to fulfill the commandment of love.
"Hungry for Love , He looks at you.
Thirsty for kindness, He begs you.
Naked for Loyalty, He hopes in you.
Homeless for shelter in your heart, He asks you. Will you be that one to Him?" - Bl. Mother Teresa of Calcutta. 

1 comment:

Emmanuel said...

I liked this very much and copied it and posted it in my blog (with a link to your blog of course)
God bless you!
Immanuel