May 21 - Sixth Sunday of Easter: An invitation to love

  

 

First Reading  Acts of the Apostles 8:5-8,14-17 

The people of Samaria accept the Gospel of Jesus proclaimed to them by Philip.

 

Responsorial Psalm  Psalm 66:1-7,16,20

Sing praise to God, all the earth.

 

Second Reading  1 Peter 3:15-18

Be ready to give explanation for your hope in Christ.

 

Gospel Reading John 14:15-21

 

In today's Gospel Jesus says: "If you love me you will obey my commandments". There are three ways we can look upon the commandments of Jesus: (1) As a restriction to our freedom, something we hate to do, (2) as a guide to our growth, health and well being, something we should do, (3) As an invitation to love, something we want to do. Jesus presents his commandments as opportunities to express our love for him. Thus today's gospel invites us to check our motives. Why do we obey Jesus' commandments? Do we obey them out of fear of punishment? Do we do it more out of hope for reward? or do we do it more out of love for Jesus? Love seeks only to be of service. This is the challenge today's gospel sets before each one of us.