FRIDAY OF THE FIFTH WEEK OF EASTER - Gospel (John 15:12-17) - THE WORD OF GOD FOR EVERYONE
- NHA CHUA CHA
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
FIRST READING - Acts 15:22-31
A reading from the Book of the Acts of the Apostles
The Apostles and presbyters, in agreement with the whole Church,
decided to choose representatives
and to send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas.
The ones chosen were Judas, who was called Barsabbas,
and Silas, leaders among the brothers.
This is the letter delivered by them:
"The Apostles and the presbyters, your brothers,
to the brothers in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia
of Gentile origin: greetings.
Since we have heard that some of our number
who went out without any mandate from us
have upset you with their teachings
and disturbed your peace of mind,
we have with one accord decided to choose representatives
and to send them to you along with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,
who have dedicated their lives to the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
So we are sending Judas and Silas
who will also convey this same message by word of mouth:
'It is the decision of the Holy Spirit and of us
not to place on you any burden beyond these necessities,
namely, to abstain from meat sacrificed to idols,
from blood, from meats of strangled animals,
and from unlawful marriage.
If you keep free of these,
you will be doing what is right. Farewell.'"
And so they were sent on their journey.
Upon their arrival in Antioch
they called the assembly together and delivered the letter.
When the people read it, they were delighted with the exhortation.
GOSPEL OF THE DAY - Jn 15:12-17
From the Gospel according to John
Jesus said to his disciples:
"This is my commandment: love one another as I love you.
No one has greater love than this,
to lay down one's life for one's friends.
You are my friends if you do what I command you.
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.
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.
This I command you: love one another."
FRIDAY OF THE FIFTH WEEK OF EASTER - Gospel (John 15:12-17)
THE WORD OF GOD FOR EVERYONE
Dear People of God,
Before Jesus went to His death, He advised His disciples:
“This is my commandment: love one another as I love you," and "Remain in my love."
Jesus taught His disciples to have a close and fraternal relationship with one another. He wanted the best for them, so He advised them to "Love one another," because only love can bring life, joy, and happiness to people. He also said, "Remain in my love," for whoever remains in God's love will see what God does, and whatever they ask, He will grant. What Jesus Christ promised is always true—He never breaks His promises. Jesus said: "It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit."
Thus, each person’s calling is arranged by God. God sees what is good for each person and He gives them a mission. But the most important thing God wants and calls people to live is to live in love. Only with love can people bear much fruit. And to bear much fruit, they must sacrifice themselves, know how to give, learn how to let go, and be willing to prune away what is unnecessary.
God calls all people to live and follow His teachings: to live in love and remain in His love—to "remain" by spreading that love to others. Only the sign of love pleases God and proves it comes from God. If there is no love, it does not come from God.
God also calls those He has chosen to live as signs of love, forgiveness, humility, smallness, and simplicity before Him. Living in this way is the sign by which people will recognize true disciples—those chosen by God. But if we do not live according to God's teachings, and instead live with jealousy, envy, anger, and criticism of one another, these things come from Satan. They do not show signs of God’s love and will not bear fruit—they will not bring souls to God.
Love always requires sacrifice and suffering, but it brings forth much fruit. Jesus Christ Himself offered His life for humanity, to save souls. Those are the beautiful fruits that Jesus offered to God the Father. Now, He invites His disciples to:
To sacrifice themselves for others, to save souls and offer them to God.
To remain in the love of God, then He will give them everything, and He will show them what He does.
There is nothing more happy than having God in your heart.
Thanks be to God. Amen.
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