The Catholic Calendar for Thursday, May 18, 2006
Thursday of the Fourth Week of Easter
St. John I, pope and martyr

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Acts 15:7-21
Psalm 96:1-3, 10
John 15:9-11

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

An individual word can have tremendous significance. We find this to be true in the gospel of today! Jesus stated to His followers, "As the Father loves me, so I also love you, REMAIN in my love."

What does the word "remain" signify?

It lets us know that for eternity we are loved by Christ, "just as Christ remains in the love of the Father." (John 15:9-11) Christ does NOT say, "If you are good and follow the commandments, then I will love you." His love comes first, it is always there! It is a total gift.

So often, we as humans feel and believe that we have to do things, say certain prayers in order to earn the love of God. This, of course, is impossible! Yes, we do need to do good works, and to pray, but it is not so that God will love us. God doesn't think like we do.

In the conclusion of that same gospel, Christ shares with us that He has told us how He loves us so that "HIS JOY might be in us"! What a powerful statement! What a gift!

Enjoy!

- Joan of Jesus, OCDS
(jmurphy at utica dot edu)