My Sisters and Brothers:
In today’s Gospel, Jesus says “all who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our dwelling with them” (see John 14:23). These words make it very clear that Christians must follow what Jesus says in order to be genuine and faithful children of the Heavenly Father. If they don’t “keep his word,” Jesus tells his followers they really can’t claim to love him, and even more importantly, God will not “dwell” within them.
Jesus wants his followers to be true to his “word,” but how can they know what this “word” is? I think it’s obvious that the most excellent way to know the “word” of Jesus is to study the Scriptures very deliberately, and as thoroughly as possible. I believe this is done best when accompanied by careful consideration of the Church’s teachings on all that the Bible has to say. And then I think Christians can continue their study of “God’s word” through enthusiastic familiarity with examples from the lives of holy people, such as all the saints and many other faithful people who have undoubtedly followed the will of God in their lives. Isn’t it true that such holy ones certainly have much to teach about the God who has “dwelt within them?” A study of these things, and fidelity to the messages and examples they provide, gives Christians the perfect recipe for living in the love of Jesus and of the Father.
With all of this in mind, we might want to ask ourselves the following: How is it possible for Christians to say they have learned from all the things noted above, that they love Jesus and follow his word, but then have no problem taking more “worldly, materialistic and selfish” approaches to dealing with others? How is it possible for them to say they love Jesus and follow his word, but have no problem holding anger and resentment toward neighbors, family members, co-workers and others? How is it possible for them to say they love Jesus and follow his word, but then fail to seek justice for the oppressed and refuse to help those in need? How is it possible for them to say they love Jesus and follow his word, but then exploit others in order to promote their own gain? How is it possible for Christians to say they love Jesus and follow his word, but then neglect to show respect, care and concern for others as he did? And aren’t there many similar questions we could ask?
As we continue celebrating the love of God and the promise of new life during this Easter season, may we earnestly strive to remain in God’s love! May the Scriptures, the teachings of our Church, and the lives of other holy people, always inspire us in this great love! May our faith, rooted in God’s word and put into action by the way we serve others, always give testimony to God’s love dwelling within us both personally and communally!
Christ is Risen, Truly, He is Risen, Alleluia, Alleluia!
Praise God! Friar Timothy
Find me on Facebook by clicking on the following link: http://www.facebook.com/frayteo
No comments:
Post a Comment