Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: May 14, 2025

Wednesday of the 4th Week of Easter

Scripture Text:  John 15:9-17

Jesus said to his disciples:

“As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. “I have told you this so that my joy might be in you and your joy might be complete. This is my commandment: love one another as I love you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I no longer call you slaves, because a slave does not know what his master is doing. I have called you friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father. It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you. This I command you:  love one another.” 

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel reading for today from John recounts a part of Jesus’ “Final Discourse” with His disciples, specifically it immediately follows His teaching of the Vine and the Branches. Jesus gives His command of love – that we love as He has loved us. This sets a Christian standard. Jesus also reminds us that it was not us who chose Him but Him who chose us.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Do I recognize Christ’s choice? Do I honor it by following Him? Do I seek to love as I have been loved by Him?

Praying:

LORD, Jesus Christ, Son of God, my Savior, I struggle with your love. It is so pure. It is so deep. I struggle at times opening myself to its profoundness. Send your Spirit to guide me, to open my mind and especially my heart, to make room not only for your love, but for You, so that You might remain with me and in me, this day and all days. I know, LORD, that only then will I be able to obey your command, to love as You love. Help me, LORD, please, I pray. Amen.