Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: April 29, 2024

Date:   Monday of the 5th Week of Easter/ Memorial of St. Catherine of Siena

Scripture Text:  John 14:21-26

Jesus said to his disciples:

"Whoever has my commandments and observes them is the one who loves me. Whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and reveal myself to him." Judas, not the Iscariot, said to him, "Master, then what happened that you will reveal yourself to us and not to the world?" Jesus answered and said to him, "Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; yet the word you hear is not mine but that of the Father who sent me."I have told you this while I am with you. The Advocate, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my name -- he will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you."

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel text for today continues our reading of Jesus’ “Final Discourse to the Disciples” before his arrest, crucifixion, death and resurrection. Today’s specific text deals with keeping Jesus’ commandments of love. In keeping those commandments beginning with loving the Father Almighty, disciples demonstrate their love for Christ and will be rewarded by the indwelling of the Father and Christ. In addition, the Father will send the Spirit in Jesus’ name who will teach us and remind us so that we might live fully the life Jesus calls us to live in love of Christ and the Father who sent Him.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

As a follower of Christ, do I daily set myself upon “the way,” insisting upon living “the truth” which Christ revealed to us? Is love of the LORD and one another central to my life?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, You sent your beloved Son, Jesus, to dwell among us, to take on our human nature and to reveal to us not only your supreme love for us but also how we are to live as your children. Send your Spirit to further illuminate our minds and hearts so that we might better grasp and adhere to the commands for loving that mark the lives of those who follow Christ as his disciples. Grant that we may love as He calls us to love so that we might become the daughters and sons You created us to be and the disciples He calls us to be. We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen.