Thursday, May 2, 2024
Abide in love
An excerpt from John 15:9–11
Jesus said, “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.”
Reflection from Melissa Orsi, St. Gregory’s: This Easter, I find solace in Jesus’ words from John 15:9-11. Warm and inviting, they offer a comforting paradigm of love – an intimate love that Jesus extends to us, mirroring God’s love for Him. As I meditate on his words, I realize the joy of abiding in Jesus’ love. By striving to keep his commandments, we link ourselves into this great chain of divine love.
These words carry a profound promise – the promise of joy, his joy, completing us. It’s not superficial happiness, but a deeply etched joy that holds steady amid life’s ups and downs. This Easter, as we remember his sacrifice, let’s reciprocate his love by living his teachings. We all have the opportunity to extend this kind of love (and thereby joy!) that not only fulfills, but transforms us.
This is a picture I took from last summer’s Taylor Swift concert at Soldier Field - she embodies spreading joy and love. May we all spread just a little bit of that same joy this Easter season!
ADDITIONAL READINGS:
For further study and prayer, the readings assigned for today are:
• Psalm 96:1–10
• Acts 15:7–21
• John 15:9–11
MUSIC:
“Shake It Off”
by Taylor Swift
“Players gonna play…
haters gonna hate…
I’m just gonna shake it off!”
Tags: Easter to Pentecost 2024