[SSVP Reflection - June]

In the whole month of May almost all the Gospel readings have been taken from John’s Gospel. There is so much in the readings and we wouldn’t make much of it if we don’t go into deeper reflection. Let’s take just John 15: 12-17 to unpack .

In John 15: 12 Jesus says: “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I loved you.” Note Jesus didn’t suggest it- He COMMANDS it. It’s a COMMAND and not a choice. We must love, not just when we feel like it. The command - To love is repeated at least 15 times in the New Testament because it doesn’t come naturally to all of us. The essence of His new commandment of love is a kind of selfless and self-giving love that overcomes selflessness, fear and pride. It’s a new way of loving and serving one another. That’s why on the night during supper He gave His disciples and us an example to follow. He commanded them to wash each other’s feet. Yes, it’s hard and requires God’s help. But, are we willing to do what Jesus tells us to do?

No worries. We can. Because God has already poured His love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us (Romans 5:5). It is for this reason that we are also to love one another. Let’s pray for the gift of loving others as God has loved us.

Next is John 15: 14 to unpack: “You are my friends”. Sounds great! But what does it mean when Jesus says “I call you friends”. It’s really a rare title. Only Abraham (Is 41:8, James 2:23) and Moses (Exodus 33:11) are called “friends of God” in the Old Testament. It signals they are entering a covenant friendship like Abraham’s God confides in him.

As “friends” we can have confidence to ask the Father.
As “friends” we can approach God in prayer as conversation, not just ritual.
As “friends” we share the Master’s purpose. That’s why Jesus says “I chose you … to bear fruit.
As friends we will receive revelation, not just affection. “Friends” means Jesus revealed everything the Father gave Him. As He says- “Everything I have learned from my Father I have made known to you”.

Know this through our baptism we move from being “servants” to “friends “ and even “Sons” in the Son to be a friend of God?

As Jesus has now reached out to us as His “friends”, He has established a new kind of relationship with us - a relationship which entails a personal, close, and loving relationship with a union of heart, mind and spirit with Him.

But again - What is our response? Do we allow Him to be part of our lives? Will we respond to His friendship with loyalty, respect and obedience? And
to come ?
to follow?
to belong?
to leave all?
to let go?
to be freed?

The invitation is there. It’s now up to each one of us to respond.

The next verse 16 to unpack and ponder is “I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that endures”. Note the order- “I chose you, and appointed you, that you should go, to bear fruit that last.”

There are 4 key words to unpack:
1. “Chosen”
2. “Appointed you”
3. “To Go”
4. “Bear Fruit that will last.”

The first word: “Chosen”. Being Chosen means being sent for a mission. What this implies is that every vocation: priesthood, religious life, marriage, lay mission is rooted in God’s prior call. Even the disciples’ calling was a divine initiative. It was His gift and election. He took the initiative. So for us our good works we didn’t volunteer, we are drafted by grace. Yes, we are all chosen before we choose. And why did He choose us? We are chosen for the mission. That we might bring forth fruit.

“Appointed you”. It means placed on purpose. This implies placement, authority and accountability. Our lives therefore are not an accident. Before we knew Him, He already set us apart. We are given a task as each one of us has received a gift. We are to use it as a good steward of God’s varied grace. We have a part in God’s plan. Yes, it’s the Lord who has placed each one of us where we are in our family, in our workplace, neighbourhoods to bear fruit. For all of us as Christians, it means each person has a particular role in the mystical body. No one is “unchosen” in the church. We have been sent forth!

“To Go”. To Go means to leave our comfort zones. To leave our small worlds behind. We are not called to sit in a holy huddle. But to go into our workplaces, our neighbourhoods and public space to open up to our brothers and sisters.

“ Bear fruit that will last”
“Fruit” in this passage identifies both interior holiness and apostolic works. And the word fruit ties to the Great Commission (Mt 28: 19) and the church’s mission. As to “fruit that last” refers to spiritual fruit and works of charity e.g. changed character, deep roots in the Word and disciples who make disciples.

Finally, the last part of John 15 verse 16 - “So that Father will give you whatever you ask Him in my name.” Don’t get it wrong. It doesn’t mean you get whatever you want just by adding in Jesus’ name. It isn’t a magic phrase. It’s about alignment. It means “If we ask anything according to His Will, He hears us.” It’s actually an invitation to pray with His heart, for His purposes, and trusting the Father knows. The bottom line is God gives only that He knows to be truly good for us.

Concluding prayer .
O God, fill me with hope, direction, motivation, and love. Send me in your name. I seek to do your will and with your grace I will bring peace where it is most needed. Amen.

SSVP Faith Formation & Development Team ... See MoreSee Less

Wishing you a blessed Vesak Day.

May this occasion bring moments of quiet reflection, inner peace, and a renewed spirit of compassion and kindness. ... See MoreSee Less