"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."
(John 15:12-14)
Abiding in God’s love brings true joy that is complete. Our relationship with God should be one of constant connection and dependence. Showing love to others reflects the love that God has shown us. An intimate love relationship that is deep, personal, and sacrificial even to the point of laying down His own life for His friends. Let us always be mindful of God’s sovereignty and His purpose for our lives.
9 Jesus said to his people: “As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love. 10 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. 11 “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy might be complete. 12 This is my commandment: love one another as I love you. 13 No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command you. 15 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. 16 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. 17 This I command you: love one another.” (John 15:9-17)
In God's love we abide, in joy we reside, complete and whole, in His love we confide. A relationship of dependence, a connection so deep, in His love we are grounded, His promises we keep. Showing love to others, a reflection of His grace, in every heart, in every face. A love so intimate, so deep, so personal, sacrificial and profound, beyond the usual. Laying down His life, for His friends so dear, in His love, we find no fear. Mindful of His sovereignty, His purpose, His plan, in His grand design, we see the span. So let us remember, in our lives each day, in His love we abide, in His purpose we stay.
Dear Lord Jesus, in Your love we abide, a joy so complete, a relationship with You, so wonderfully sweet. Constant and dependent, in Your love we rest, reflecting Your love to others, we strive to do our best. An intimate relationship, deep and personal, we share, Your sacrificial love, beyond compare. You laid down Your life, for friends so dear, in Your love, we find no fear. Mindful of Your sovereignty, Your purpose, Your plan, in every moment, in every span. Help us to remember, in our lives each day, in Your love we abide, in Your purpose we stay. In Your name we pray, Amen.
We need to seek God’s guidance in our decision-making processes. We may face betrayal in our lives, but we must continue to trust in God’s plan even when things don’t make sense. Transitions can be challenging but these are necessary for growth and progress. Let us stay united in the face of uncertainty, crisis, and adversity with utmost faith and belief in the power of restoration and forgiveness.
15 Peter stood up in the midst of the brothers and sisters (there was a group of about one hundred and twenty persons in the one place). He said, 16 “My brothers and sisters, the Scripture had to be fulfilled which the Holy Spirit spoke beforehand through the mouth of David, concerning Judas, who was the guide for those who arrested Jesus. 17 Judas was numbered among us and was allotted a share in this ministry. 20 For it is written in the Book of Psalms: Let his encampment become desolate, and may no one dwell in it. and: May another take his office. 21 Therefore, it is necessary that one of the men who accompanied us the whole time the Lord Jesus came and went among us, 22 beginning from the baptism of John until the day on which he was taken up from us, become with us a witness to his resurrection.” 23 So they proposed two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias. 24 Then they prayed, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen 25 to take the place in this apostolic ministry from which Judas turned away to go to his own place.” 26 Then they gave lots to them, and the lot fell upon Matthias, and he was counted with the eleven Apostles. (Acts 1:15-17, 20-26)
In the maze of choices, where paths intertwine, seek we must, God's guidance divine. Betrayal may come, like a thief in the night, yet in God's plan, we find our light. When sense escapes, and reason flees, in His wisdom, our hearts find ease. Transitions come, like waves on sand, challenging, yes, but part of the grand plan. Growth and progress, the fruits they bear, necessary pains, that we all share. In face of uncertainty, crisis, and dread, united we stand, by faith we are led. Belief in restoration, forgiveness' power, blooms within us, a resilient flower. In adversity's face, we find our strength, with faith and unity, we go to any length.
Dear Heavenly Father, in the labyrinth of life, we seek Your guidance divine, in our decisions, big and small, let Your wisdom shine. When betrayal shadows our hearts, and trust begins to wane, help us remember Your plan, and find peace in Your reign. When things don't make sense, and confusion takes hold, remind us of Your love, steadfast and bold. Transitions can be tough, like a tempest-tossed sea, but necessary for growth, for progress, for the people we're meant to be. In the face of uncertainty, crisis, and strife, help us stay united, for unity is life. With faith unshaken, and belief in restoration and forgiveness, we face adversity, armed with Your love and grace, in all its richness. In Your name we pray, Amen.
The greatness of God is exalted over all nations and heavens. Yet, this great God is merciful, looking down on the earth to raise the poor and needy. He has a special care for the lowly and marginalized. Our praise for God should be constant and universal, transcending all boundaries of time and place. Let us continually praise God, believe in His transformative power in our lives, and acknowledge His sovereignty.
1 Praise, you servants of the Lord, praise the name of the Lord. 2 Blessed be the name of the Lord both now and forever. 3 From the rising to the setting of the sun is the name of the Lord to be praised. 4 High above all nations is the Lord; above the heavens is his glory. 5 Who is like the Lord, our God, who is enthroned on high 6 and looks upon the heavens and the earth below? 7 He raises up the lowly from the dust; from the dunghill he lifts up the poor 8 to seat them with princes, with the princes of his own people. (Psalm 113:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8)
Exalted high above all nations, His greatness soars, yet, this God of all creations, the needy He adores. From heavens high to earth below, His merciful gaze falls, raising the poor, the needy, answering their calls. A special care for the lowly, the marginalized, the weak, His love for them is holy, His comfort they seek. From dawn till dusk, from east to west, His praise we sing, a constant chorus, unceasing, let our voices ring. Transcending boundaries of time and place, His name we laud, in every corner of the space, in every heart applaud. Believe in His transformative power, His touch divine, in every passing hour, see His love shine. Acknowledge His sovereignty, His rule supreme, in His divine authority, let every heart dream. So let us praise, let us sing, let our voices rise, to the merciful King, the Sovereign in the skies.
Dear Heavenly Father, Your greatness, exalted over all nations and heavens, yet in Your greatness, Your mercy is given. Looking down on the earth, You raise the poor and needy, Your special care for the lowly, Your love so freely. Our praise for You is constant, universal, and true, transcending all boundaries, in all that we do. From the rising of the sun, to its setting at night, Your name we praise, in Your transformative light. We acknowledge Your sovereignty, Your rule divine, in every moment, in every sign. Help us to see Your transformative power, in every second, in every hour. In Your name we pray, Amen.
Pericope:
Gospel
III: The Book of Glory
THE VINE AND THE BRANCHES
John 15:1-17
First Reading
The Preparation for the Christian Mission
THE CHOICE OF JUDAS' SUCCESSOR
Acts 1:15-26
Responsorial Psalm
Fifth Book of Psalms 107-150
PRAISE OF GOD'S CARE OF THE POOR
Psalm 113:1-9
Reflection Source:
Copilot
