Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: May 19, 2025

Monday of the 5th Week of Easter

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 reading for today is continues our reading of Jesus’ “Final Discourse” with His disciples before his arrest, crucifixion, and death. Jesus underscores the importance of keeping His commandments which deal with love for the LORD and one another, and He promises that whoever does such will receive the Father’s love and presence (make our dwelling with him). Finally, Jesus promises the Spirit who will guide us on our journey.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

How well am I living Jesus’ commands of love for the LORD and others? How much of my day is spent actively loving the LORD and others?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, I long to live the life your beloved Son, Jesus Christ, called me to live, one of love for You and love for my sisters and brothers. Daily I commit to that path, but I find myself spending my time on other pursuits rather than on actively loving as Christ commanded. Send your Spirit to tenderize my mind and heart and to make me more responsive in the moment to the love that I can and should express in those moments. Grant this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen.