“If you love me, keep my commandments.” These are the words Jesus gives to his disciples and to us before his return to the Father. We cannot truly call ourselves his disciples if we do not listen to his words and strive to live by them. When we fail to do so, our lives become poorer, and we miss the fullness of life he desires for us.
But we may ask: what are these commandments? Jesus is not speaking only about the Ten Commandments. A closer look at the Gospel shows that he is inviting us into a new way of living, a new spirit, new values, and new attitudes toward God, our neighbor, and life itself. He teaches us: do not return evil for evil; do not judge others; do not be consumed with worry about food, drink, or clothing; do not store up treasures on earth. He calls us not to look back once we have set our hands to the plow, and not to lose hope when life becomes difficult. Instead, he invites us to let our light shine before others, to love our enemies, to give generously, and to trust that the measure we give will be the measure we receive.
Living according to these values is our response to the Gospel: a response that brings deep and lasting joy. In the First Reading, we see how the Samaritans welcomed the Gospel with great enthusiasm. Their joy was fulfilled when they received the Holy Spirit through the laying on of hands. Dear brothers and sisters, to love Christ is to listen to his word and to put it into practice. We do not walk this path alone. The Holy Spirit has been given to us to guide us, strengthen us, and help us remain faithful, even in times of trial.
Let us ask the Lord for the grace to love him not only with our words, but with our lives. May the Holy Spirit fill our hearts, renew our strength, and help us to live the Gospel with courage and joy. And may our lives become a light that leads others to God, so that, through us, his love may be known and his name glorified. Amen.
Scripture Readings:
Acts 8:5–8, 14–17 • Ps 66 • 1 Pt 3:15–18 • Jn 14:15–21