Sixth Sunday of Easter
“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” (Jn 14:15)
Today’s Gospel is a continuation of Jesus’ conversation with his disciples at the Last Supper. Last Sunday, the Lord told us that he was returning to his Father, and that he was going to prepare a place for us. He also told us that the Father is in him, and he in the Father. This week, the Lord continues telling us as his disciples: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” In the same conversation, he has just told his disciples: “This is my commandment: love one another as I love you.”
Jesus is inviting us into his very lifestyle. He loved the Father, and kept the Father’s command, coming down from heaven to save us through his life, death, and resurrection. Now, he invites us into his divine life. If we love him, we too will choose to embrace a life of love for others, as he has already loved us.
It’s important to note that Jesus doesn’t ask something from us before already offering us his own love. “Love one another as I love you.” He loves us first and pours out his grace upon us. And he reveals the Father’s love for us, who tells each one of us: “You are my beloved son, my beloved daughter, in whom I am well pleased.” In receiving his love, we can enter into a covenantal relationship with him, choosing freely to keep his commandment to “love one another” and so show Jesus our love for him.
Jesus invites us into a different way of looking at obedience. It is not the life of a slave, and he does not call us his servants, but rather his friends. It’s only by first receiving his love, and the loving gaze of the Father, that we can respond with loving obedience to his commandments. In that way, it makes more sense his words: “Come to me those who are burdened and I will give you rest. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.” (Mt 11:28-29)
This is the true joy of the Gospel. God so loves us and trusts in us, that he invites us into his divine life and love. It transforms our hearts and makes us want to share this joy with all those around us. Lord, we pray that your grace may enter and transform our hearts, so that we may experience your joy and share your love with others. Amen.
Patrick Travers, Newman Director
