Monday of the Fifth Week of Easter
(Acts 14:5-18; John 14:21-26)
A geneticist studied fruit flies. He got to know them well. In fact, he came to appreciate individual
characteristics. He saw how one fly did
things in ways others did not. In this
sense he came to love the fruit flies he studied. This banal example of love can provide some clarity
in what Jesus means in today’s obscure gospel passage.
Judas, the other Judas that Luke mentions in his list of
apostles, asks Jesus why he reveals himself to them and not to everyone. Jesus answers obliquely. He tells how those who love him keep his word
and he and his Father will dwell in those persons. In this way they receive the revelation of
both Jesus and the Father. They have an
affective knowledge based on their love for God. They prove their love by keeping Jesus’ words,
which are his commandments.
We may say we love God, but do we keep his commandments? We’re not talking about eight or nine of the
ten but all of them. Do we sincerely and
honestly help our neighbor? Do we
refrain from biting sarcasm and deception in our conversations. To love as Jesus commands means forsaking the
ways of the world. However, it results
in an assurance of his love for us.
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