THURSDAY, FIFTH WEEK OF EASTERTIDE
Acts 15: 7-21 Ps 96: 1-3, 10 Jn 15: 9-11
ABIDE IN THE ONE WITHIN
In the first reading in the debate whether observance of the Jewish law is necessary for salvation, each one expresses his opinion very forcefully convinced that his own stand is the right one which will save the Church’s future. Peter, whom Jesus Himself appointed as the head of the church puts an end to the debate and takes his stand with Paul and Barnabus: The Church is for all, the door of the church is wide open, even to the gentiles. All are children of God whether they be Jews or Gentiles, God makes no distinction. FAITH and GRACE alone saves.
In the Gospel we see a deep relationship between Jesus and His Father. “As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you. Abide in my love.” The love with which Jeus loves us is the very love with which He is loved by the Father. Jesus’ mission is to reveal his Father to the world by drawing all people to himself. He tells us that the love which He has for us has its origin in the love which his Father has for him. It is the human expression of the intimate communion which is the very being of God. Jesus invites us to abide in Him, to make it our permanent home. “Just as I have kept my Father’s commandment….” Once again Jesus insists on the necessary link between love and obedience which leads to complete overflowing joy in us and experience His fullness. Saint John of the Cross says “ Do not go in pursuit of Him outside yourself. You will only become distracted and wearied, and you will not find Him, nor enjoy Him more securely nor sooner, nor more intimately than by seeking Him within you”. Jesus said “Abide in ME as I abide in YOU”. Let us then desire GOD with all our heart and search for Him with the energy of our entire being and we shall find Him as we make an adventurous journey within. For we cannot find GOD by engaging in a multitude of external activities unless we have first found HIM within ourselves.
Response: Tell among all the peoples the wonders of the Lord.
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