John 15:9-17

Reflection

Jesus tells his disciples to remain in his love and keep his commandments. His greatest commandment to them is to love one another as he loves them. Jesus chose the disciples and appointed them to bear fruit that will remain.

Loving one another can often be difficult, especially when the relationship is strained and full of imperfections. It can even be harder to love those with whom we interact little, such as an encounter on the street or at the store. Yet Jesus instructs us to love – not to be rude, hold a grudge, or ignore. He beckons us to a higher calling, one that rises above our base instincts and chooses to see everyone as a beloved son or daughter of God.

When we choose to treat everyone as such, our interactions become more pleasant and we become more joyful people. While this is not always easy to do, we have the perfect example in Christ. Let us always turn to him when we need encouragement to follow his commandment, remembering that he loves us more than we deserve; therefore, we must extend the same to all we encounter.

Saint of the Day

St. Matthias

“Then they gave lots to them, and the lot fell upon Matthias, and he was counted with the Eleven Apostles.” Acts of the Apostles 1:26