Our gospel for today is from John 15:9-17. This is about Jesus wanting us to abide in His commandments. “As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love”. This is what Jesus said in John 15:9-17 in which we have to follow. This only means that the commandments of Jesus are never that hard. As long as we have kindness in our hearts, then we will be able to nurture one another through His commandments.

Gospel: John 15:9-17

Jesus said to his disciples, “As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete. “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved 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 do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father. You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name. I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another.”
John 15:9-17

Reflection:

“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” This is the commandment which is heavy than any other things here on earth. This commandment is very common and may be repeating but to abide in this is very difficult. I have mentioned that Jesus wants from us is never hard only if we have pure intentions and good soul. The reality, it is easy to say love another but is is very hard to follow it. People nowadays are blind because of temporary things. It is easy to say to love and care for our neighbors, but in reality only few people can do it. It takes courage and whole soul to love others without thinking of any return. Yet, this is what the gospel in John 15:9-17 is telling us.

Like the song entitled “Live Fully This Moment”, it is our main goal to live our lives to the fullest. We should not concern ourselves about what tomorrow brings. We should be present for each other with hearts full of love and we should be alive in the reality of the present. This means to focus on things at present and do not worry about tomorrow for God will do the rest for us. Like the birds in the sky, they don’t think about where they will get their food but God provides them daily. This mystery is the greatest of all and it is a reminder of his great love for His creations. – Clea | Helpline PH

LIVE FULLY THIS MOMENT
(This song will give you enlightenment)

Refrain:
Live fully this moment: do not dwell in the past.
Don’t be concerned about tomorrow.
Be present to each other, with hearts full of love;
be alive in the reality of now.

(Final ending: repeat last 2 lines)

1.
Love one another, as I have loved you.
Take a risk and open up your heart. (Refrain)

2.
No greater love can any person have,
than to give their life for their friends. (Refrain)

3.
I am the vine, and you are the branches;
remain in me and you will bear much fruit. (Refrain)