How do we honestly respond to the simple directive from Jesus that we find in today’s Gospel from John 15 – “This is my commandment: love one another as I love you” ? Of course we all can easily see the wisdom in that seemingly simple mandate. We all wish to follow that command. Jesus loved us so much that he gave up his very life, suffered unimaginable physical and spiritual pain, died and after three days rose again – all because of His amazing love for each of us.
Jesus is the perfect example of what our love for one another should look like. But how do we know how well we are living up to Jesus’ example? Jesus goes on in that chapter from John to remind us that He told His disciples everything that He had heard from the Father. We too have access to everything God has to tell us. His word is our direct link to the Father. Obviously loving one another is not just a theoretical concept that only Jesus could obtain. For Jesus chose not only His disciples, but you and I as well to love one another as He loves us. He has appointed each of us to go and bear fruit that will remain. Focusing on applying the fruit of the Spirit in our lives is indeed a determining factor of how well we love others. Through our interactions we are to demonstrate love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. That is what loving others really looks like in real life. Thoughtful application of these elements is certainly the true test of how well we are loving others. The “fruit of the spirit” test must remain at the forefront of our thoughts, words, and actions every waking moment of our lives if we truly are seeking to love as Jesus has loved us.
Today’s Responsorial Psalm reminds us of the magnitude of God’s mercy which towers to the heavens and of His faithfulness which reaches to the skies above. These descriptions remind us of who our God really is – a being beyond anything mere words could ever fully envision. How could we not help but chant His praise among nations? He truly must be exalted above the heavens and above all the earth.
Before we move past the clear directive from Jesus to love one another, it is crucial that we remind ourselves that this world is inhabited by many false teachers who will never cease trying to deceive us. They will even attempt to defraud Jesus’ simple, clear commands. In today’s First Reading from Acts 15, we find that false teachers were even evident in the times shortly after Jesus’ resurrection. While the Good News had been clearly presented to the believers in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia, false teachers had infiltrated those brethren with “their own teaching,” which was resulting in upheaval within the church. Paul and Barnabas, along with Judas and Silas, were chosen to go to those believers to clarify any misunderstandings that had arisen. This short story powerfully reminds us that even within a believing body of Christ, it is easy to be led astray. All teaching must be solidly based upon the foundation of God’s Holy Word of Truth. This passage also reminds us of the need to dedicate our lives to our Lord Jesus Christ – to daily immerse ourselves in the Bible so that we will be better equipped to identify and resist the false teachings that our world so happily embraces.
Dear Heavenly Father, we genuinely want to live to serve you, to follow all your commands. On this day, help us to specifically focus upon your simple directive to love one another. Help us to solidify our focus upon the fruits of the Spirit, knowing that each of those characteristics is key to loving others as you have loved us. In the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ. Amen
Larry Hopp
As I enter my second retirement, I can only express my deep appreciation to God for the opportunity to touch the lives of the amazing students here at Creighton. After 40 years as a civil engineer in the construction industry, I felt that I had completed my life’s work. God, however had a different plan – a MUCH BETTER plan. He opened a door to Creighton University and its Energy Technology Program which I would never have imagined. An opportunity to teach and lead a program that has proven to be some of the most rewarding and satisfying work of my life.
That process has only further refined my total trust & faith in following God and seeking Jesus with all my heart. His plans are always so much better than anything I could have ever imagined.
But of course work could never be the top priority of my life. Over the years, I have been engaged with a truly amazing church with an un-apologetic commitment to Jesus that has changed my life and future forever. My wife Linda and I have four children, 4 grandchildren and 5 foster “grandchildren” that have all been such a daily blessing in so many ways.
I am looking forward to see what God has in mind for this next stage of my life.
It is not surprising that God provides these reflection opportunities with the precise readings that I need to hear at that specific time. Spending time in prayer as I write & rewrite each Daily Reflection opportunity is truly a blessing. My prayer is that God can use these thoughts to bless you as well.
