Remain in my love

In John’s Gospel, after hearing the testimony of John the Baptist, two of the Baptist’s disciples begin to follow Jesus. They ask Jesus the place where he stays. Jesus simply invites them to come and see (1:37-39). In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells his disciples to stay in his love. The Greek word used in both narratives is ménein, meaning “to remain” or “to stay.” In the Last Supper discourse, therefore, Jesus answers the question asked by the disciples in the beginning. Love is

Jesus’ abiding place. His disciples must also stay in this love. Interestingly, Jesus poses this challenge of remaining in his love only after allowing his disciples to experience how it is to abide with him. Love, indeed, is our abiding place as Jesus’ followers.

Do we try to be more loving each day like Jesus? Do we truly want to remain in Jesus’ love?

Do others experience this love of Jesus through us?

GOSPEL • JOHN 15:9-11

Jesus said to his disciples: “As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and remain in his love.

“I have told you this so that my joy might be in you and your joy might be complete.”

SOURCE: “365 Days with the Lord 2021,” ST. PAULS, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; Fax 632-895-7328; E-mail: publishing@stpauls.ph; Website: http://www. stpauls.ph.