Love Unconditionally!

Fifth Sunday of Easter

2 May 2021 

 

First Reading:  ACTS 9:26-31

Responsorial Psalm:  PS 22:26-27, 28, 30, 31-32

Second Reading:  1 JN 3:18-24

Gospel:  JN 15:1-8

 

Reflection

By: Benj Santiago

 

"We have confidence in God and receive from Him whatever we ask, because we keep His commandments and do what pleases Him. And His commandment is this: "We should believe in the Name of His Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another just as He commanded us."

 

"If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask for whatever your want and it will be done for you. By this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples."

 

On this Fifth Sunday of Easter, we are reminded of the commandment of Jesus before He ascended to heaven to "love one another". And along with this commandment is a promise: "we will receive from Him whatever we ask".

 

In the world we live today, we are so much challenged in all aspects of our life. The pandemic had caused a lot of people to lose their livelihood and for some even their lives! We are all being called to act in the midst of this COVID-19 pandemic to show love for one another.

 

In the Gospel reading today, the call to LOVE unconditionally is super needed to be heeded by all of us! From those that are in power and from those who are powerless. From government leaders to the lowliest level of the citizenry.

 

How do we do it? I believe that it can be done by putting the welfare of others ahead of ourselves. We all need to do for others what is good for them regardless of whether they have done good to you!

 

A lady friend of mine who is a Lawyer and Financial Educator has a stay out helper who had asked for salary advances but did not show up to serve her services for many months. But just recently, the same helper contacted her asking for support. Guess what? She still provided the help in spite of the helper's wrongdoing. Atty. GJ showed me a concrete example of how to LOVE unconditionally.

 

We all need to put CARE above MONEY!

 

I hope and pray that people who have the power over what directions and actions to take to fix the pandemic, must have an open heart to CARE for what is good for all and not for what MONEY they would get.

 

And for us; who are continually blessed with good health of mind, body, pocket, and spirit, let's continue to contribute to all that we can to help others. To give CARE. To LOVE as He has commanded us!

 

Finally, stay safe. Spread not the virus but LOVE!

 

Prayer

 

Heavenly Father, we thank and praise You for the continuing good health of our minds, body, and spirit. Lord, we pray that we may be continually inspired to serve others specially those who are sick and are in need. May we continue to serve with unconditional love. In Jesus Name, we pray. Amen.