Inclusive and Abiding Love of God

Sixth Sunday of Easter: April 05, 2024

Readings: Acts 10:25–26, 34–35, 44–48; Psalm 98:1–4; 1 John 4:7–10; John 15:9–17

 To listen to the audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/gl8VAO9qUWQ

How nice it would be if we knew exactly what was happening to the other person? This may be a wishful thinking. However, Jesus knew exactly what was happening to the other person. Throughout his public ministry, Jesus demonstrated this attitude. If we love someone deeply and unconditionally, we can know certainly what is happening to the other person. Jesus and the Father in Heaven knew each other because of their abiding love. 

1. Abiding in Love with joy

Jesus in John 15:9–17 dwells on the vine and the branches as a metaphor of abiding love between the both Father and the Son. Jesus continues to urge his disciples to abide in his love, just as he abides in the Father's love. A deep and intimate connection with divine love is manifested. Only with such love can we be well-connected, live constantly in His presence, and draw strength and sustenance from it. We need that maturity and expression to share our knowledge and belief in God's love in every aspect of our life – our identity, our purpose, our relationships, and our actions. 

Where there is love, there is joy. When we live according to God's commandments, peace and harmony, joy and fellowship make their home. It can be seen how we live with our neighbours and fellow workers. God's love becomes visible when we see the joy around us and how the peace of our Lord spreads everywhere. We respond to God's love by loving one another. It is a tangible expression of showing compassion to others with love.

2. Friendship with God - a personal connection 

Jesus calls his disciples friends, not servants because he has shared everything with them that he has learned from the Father. In friendship, there is intimacy and trust. Our closeness to God must be manifested by the grace that we reflect in our lives. God has plans for our lives. When we are in peace with God or harmony with God, His grace dwells in us. Our families, communities and our surroundings and even strangers become places of fullness of friendship. 

God has created us for a specific purpose. This awareness must shape our understanding of our identity and mission in life. Only then, we will be able to bear fruit that will last. It is reflected in the qualities of character, acts of service, and expressions of love that manifest the presence of God within us. Hence, we must cultivate a life that bears abundant fruit for the glory of God. For this, prayer is essential.  Prayer is a privileged place in our faith life with a sense of responsibility. 

3. Breaking Down Barriers with a sense of inclusivity

In the Easter Season, we continue to read the great and mighty works of the apostles of our Lord. With the experience of the resurrection of Jesus, the disciples built a deep relationship with God, by abiding in his love, and thus were able to bear fruit that reflects his glory in the world. This experience enabled the disciples to include the Gentiles in God's plan of salvation. It broke the barriers of separation and exclusion between Jews and Gentiles. In our own society today there are cultural, social, religious, linguistic, and ideological barriers that exist in our own familial surroundings and communities. We must strive to build unity, despite our diversity. 

Today we need inclusivity in our lives. God comes to us in love and grace. We must treat all people with dignity and respect, compassion and care regardless of their background or status. God's grace is not limited by human categories or distinctions. We must look at the beauty of God's diverse creation and the richness that comes from embracing different cultures, languages, and traditions within the body of Christ. The Holy Spirit comes to us to transform our lives and empower us to live as a faithful disciple of Christ. Let's strive to achieve this goal of our Christian life.

Questions for self-reflection

1. How can I work towards fostering greater unity and understanding among diverse communities within the Church and society?
2. How can I cultivate a life characterized by love that reflects the image of Christ more fully?
3. How does abiding in God's love empower me to live with confidence, hope, and joy?
4. What fruit am I bearing in my life that reflects the presence and work of God within me?
5. How do I respond to challenges or conflicts in my relationships with others? Do I seek to reconcile and restore love and unity?

Prayer based on Psalm 98

Gracious and Loving God,

We come before you with hearts overflowing with praise and thanksgiving. You are the source of all beauty and goodness, and we marvel at the wonders of your creation. Your steadfast love endures forever, and your faithfulness extends to all generations. As we lift our voices in worship, may our songs resound with joy and gladness. 

Help us to remember your faithfulness in times past and to trust in your promises for the future. Lead us in paths of righteousness, that we may walk in your ways and bring glory to your name. Open our eyes to see the beauty of your creation and the majesty of your works. Fill us with your Holy Spirit, that we may be instruments of your peace and vessels of your love in the world. May our lives be a living testimony to your goodness and grace. We make this prayer in Jesus' Holy Name, Amen.

- Olvin Veigas, SJ

May 03, 2024