Remain in my love..

Major themes in accounts of what happens after Jesus’ resurrection center on the possibility of profound changes and the outcomes of his encounters with people. There are also important things to take away from these opportunities. Jesus said last week that to have an abundant harvest, we must stay rooted in him, the true vine. This week, he stresses how vital it is to remain in him and love as he loves. Despite their cultural differences, the early Christians welcomed Gentiles who bore the signs of the Holy Spirit, demonstrating their compassion for all people. Transcending all divisions and orientations became the astonishing development that allowed the faith to extend beyond Jerusalem. It continues to this day.

Many of Our Lord’s teachings have come to symbolize what it is to be good: honesty, kindness, generosity, selfless service, and many more. To this day, even among atheists, these commandments that he gave us have become the gold standard. But love is the most important commandment he gave us. To reflect Christ’s all-encompassing love, love should transcend the mundane and the ordinary and enter the realm of the supernatural. But this kind of love is only possible by abiding in Jesus. He gave us an example to this kind of love. (It brings to mind the song “I want to know what love is.”? Look to Jesus. I will take that kind of love any day. But can I give it?

Functionality, convenience, happiness, and even emotions are the boundaries within which human love frequently operates. Jesus loves us deeply because of the goodness that God designed us to be. Remaining in Christ is the only way to love supernaturally, just like Jesus loved.

Remain in My Love,  This I command you: love one another.  It means to remain in Christ’s love to be Intimately connected in truth, and prayer, and to live with a genuine desire to grow while keeping the commandments. In him alone is the fortitude to imitate this love with its extraordinary quality and astounding outcomes. 

This is the path, that today’s first communion participants will take. Let us assist them to remain in the Lord, to cherish is commandments and to love him. May the salvation of our God be seen by all the ends of the earth through our Love . Amen