KEEP THE COMMANDMENT TO LOVE
The Commandments awaken the love of Christ within us. They promote us to give our love away, and not be selfish with it. In today’s world, many Christians, see the commandments, which are the divine will and law of God, as an obstacle for them to enjoy their earthly life to the full. They forget that God gave us life, but, with terms and conditions attached. In truth, many people do not know what living one’s life to the full means. Our life here on earth will only be fulfilled after death, provided we end up in heaven. Jesus came into the world to lead us there, but many go off on their own paths, living by their own made-up commandments, and never reach heaven. In today’s Gospel (Jn 15:9-17), Jesus tells us that He has come to complete our joy if we remain in His love. Jesus never came to abolish the commandments, but to fulfil them with practiced faith and love. Jesus’ joy is profound and deep, even in His Passion. Our joy must spring from an awareness that we are loved by God, who is our heavenly Father and Creator. We are commanded to open the doors of love in our hearts and to close the doors of selfishness, anger, ego, arrogance, violence, impatience, impurity, pride, judgement and shut out sin. Sin extinguishes the fire of God’s love in our hearts. The Gospel instructs us today, to love and forgive one another, as God loves and forgives us.
COMMANDMENTS ARE PATHS TO HEAVEN
Jesus says: “I am the Way” (Jn 14:6). It is important we understand this, especially if our intention is to go to Heaven, and live eternally under these Divine Commandments some days. Or do we foolishly think there are different laws in heaven? Love’s purpose is to spend itself on others, which in turn, profits and benefits our neighbour. Prayer nourishes love, and is at the service of love. To prove our love and belief in God, we must live by His commandments. Jesus says: “If you keep My commandments you will remain in My love”. This obviously means that if we do not keep His Commandments, then we reject His love and His showing us the Way on how to get to heaven. Love brings us to our journey’s end. The commandments are our roadmap to eternal life. Jesus is not asking, but commanding that we love one another, if we intend to be found worthy of sainthood in heaven, someday. Let us radiate the joy and love of Christ to each other, with something as simple as a smile! St. John the apostle, when living in exile on the Greek island of Patmos, preached the same homily every week. He would simply preach, “Love one another as Jesus loves us” When asked why he preached the same theme every Sunday, he said; “This is what the Master continuously told us every day”. God bless, Fr. Brendan.