REFLECTIONS TODAY
To “remain” (Greek menein) with Jesus is an important Johannine theme. It does not only mean to stay with Jesus, but to “know” him, to have a close relationship with him. The intimate union between the Father and Jesus is the model for the disciples’ relationship with their Master. When Jesus calls the first disciples, he tells them, “Come, and you will see”—and they stay with him for a day (Jn 1:39). Discipleship is not just following the Master and listening to him expound the Torah; it is to share his very life, his very fate. The life of the disciple is a deepening union with Jesus: “Remain in me, as I remain in you” (Jn 15:4); “Remain in my love” (v 9). Moreover, Jesus will prepare a place for his disciples in his Father’s Kingdom so that he and his disciples will be united forever (Jn 14:3). Yet union with Jesus cannot be reduced to sentiments alone. He emphasizes that the true measure of union with him is imitating his love: his love for God and for his “own.” One who truly loves Jesus loves his or her brothers and sisters. And the measure of the disciple’s love for his neighbors is his willingness to lay down his life for them. The disciple is called to incarnate Jesus’ love in a world that is often torn apart by apathy, hate, and strife. Gospel • John 15:9-11 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.” Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2023,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; Fax 632-895-7328; E-mail: [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]); Website: [http://www.stpauls.ph](http://www.stpauls.ph).