Duty of Love

Sixth Sunday of Easter

9 May 2021 

 

First Reading:  ACTS 10:25-26, 34-35, 44-48

Responsorial Psalm:  PS 98:1, 2-3, 3-4

Second Reading:  1 JN 4:7-10

Gospel:  JN 15:9-17

 

Reflection

By: Benj Santiago

 

"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. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you."

The theme of the last Sunday Gospel and this Sunday continues to be that of LOVE. Actually, the whole Bible from beginning to end is about God's Love! In fact, in today's Gospel, the word LOVE is mentioned nine times. Jesus made it clear how to show love. He laid down His own life for us! And He commanded us to do the same. Not just for people who are related to us like our parents, siblings, or children, but for friends! Personally, to fight and die for my family would be a natural instinct. But to lay down willingly my life for a friend will take a lot of courage. A lot of real love.

In the midst of pandemic we are facing today, I believe that front liners are concrete example of authentic love. They put their health and life for the sake of others. We see and hear in the news that many of them served willingly for others. Enduring long work hours, the pain of seeing their patients suffer and die. And even to the extent that they themselves contract the virus and die! I am sure they will reap their reward in heaven.

I saw in a news a doctor lamenting the sad situation of those who were afflicted with CoVid-19. She had seen patients dying while waiting in the makeshift tents for a space in the ER. She cries out her heart seeing patients die because the hospital equipment and facilities needed are already exhausted. And these are people she isn't related to. She simply showed her unconditional love and care to people she encounter. She did everything possible for these people even putting her on life on the line.

But, I guess we can also show love not just by literally putting our lives on the line, or giving up our life out of service for others. I believe we can also show authentic Christ-like love by putting other people's needs and priorities ahead of ourselves. Tough challenge for most of us. But it's the only way to show we follow the commandment of LOVE!

 

Prayer

 

Dear God, we pray that we never give up in loving others. We pray for our front liners, that they may be healthy and safe as they perform their duty of love. Help us to put other people's needs ahead of ourselves. We pray that we continue to love unceasingly our family and all the people we meet. In Jesus' Name, we pray. AMEN.