Readings: Acts 15:7-21, Ps. 96:1-3,10, John 15:9-11
“If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love.” (John 15:10)
Today’s Gospel passage continues Jesus’ teaching on the Vine and the Branches. In the first part of this teaching, Jesus explains the “WHY” of abiding in Him: “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. He who abides in me, and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me, you can do nothing.” (John 15:4-5).
Today, Jesus shows us the “HOW” of abiding in Him as branches of the Vine. What binds us to Jesus? Is it just the title we bear (as Christians) or what we do? On the other hand, could it be our adherence to religious traditions such as circumcision?
In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus says: “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.” (John 15:10). This verse appears confusing but in subsequent verses, Jesus clarifies: “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:12-13).
The key phrase here is: “Love one another as I have loved you.” We are used to hearing: “Love your neighbour as yourself” or “Do to others what you want done to you”, but in this case, Jesus wants us to love others as He loved us; he wants us to offer our lives for one another as He did on the Cross of Calvary. Sacrificial love is the essence of abiding in Jesus.
We live in a world where no one is ready to sacrifice for others, but we all expect others to sacrifice for us. Jesus tells us today: “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” (John 15:11).
The following quote was attributed to Pope Francis: “Rivers don’t drink their water; trees do not eat their fruit; the sun does not shine on itself, and flowers do not spread their fragrance for themselves. Living for others is a rule of nature. We are all born to help each other. No matter how difficult it is… life is good when you are happy, but much better when others are happy because of you.” Truly, nothing can equate to the joy that comes to you when you put a smile on other people's faces.
In a world of growing injustices, violence unleashed on innocent citizens, leaders refusing to rise to their responsibilities, and in a world where Christians are victims of unprovoked attacks, one is tempted to wonder if Jesus was right when he preached love in place of hate. If hating others (revenge) could make us joyful, Jesus would have recommended it. The fullness of joy we desire will not come from hating (destroying) others but from loving our neighbours and enemies as ourselves.
Our first reading today contains minutes of the first general assembly of church bishops. There was a debate on the matter of circumcision as a requirement for newly converted Gentiles to the Christian faith. A conclusion was reached that these converts were not to be burdened with circumcision. Instead, they were to abstain from idol worship, unchastity, strangled meat, and blood.
Underneath this decision was a recognition that God bestowed great love on them even while they were uncircumcised. Peter said: “God, who knows the heart, bore witness to them, giving them the Holy Spirit just as he did to us; and he made no distinction between us and them, but cleansed their hearts by faith. Therefore, why do you make a trial of God by putting a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear? (Acts 15:8-10).
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, help us to remain in your love by loving as you love. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Thursday of the 5th week of Eastertide, Liturgical Colour: White. Bible Study: Acts 15:7-21, Ps. 96:1-3,10, John 15:9-11).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu