To remain/abide (Greek menein) in Jesus is central in the Gospel of John. Andrew and his companion, who were the first two to come to Jesus, became his disciples when they remained with Jesus the whole day (1:39).

In the controversy over Jesus’ declaration that his flesh is real food and his blood real drink, many of his disciples ceased to follow him, but the Twelve (apostles) chose to remain (6:66-68). Unfortunately, Judas Iscariot later left Jesus and went over to the forces of darkness (13:30).

The apostles, too, abandoned Jesus when he was arrested in the garden (of Gethsemane), but the risen Savior did not abandon them in their failure and misery. Jesus asks his disciples to remain in his love. This means having a lifegiving connection with him. If there is no connection, there is no life, there is no fruit.

Secondly, remaining means depending on Jesus, relying on him, more on our good will and efforts to be in the right relationship with God.

Thirdly, remaining means continuance, staying with Jesus despite the difficulties that sorely try our faith, for as Peter confesses, Jesus, the Holy One of God, alone has “the words of eternal life” (6:68-69).

At the wedding ceremony or priestly ordination, a person solemnly promises to be true and faithful to one’s spouse or to the Church. This promise or vow is until death—not “until further notice” only.

To be able to do this, Jesus invites us to remain in his love: to love him and to be loved by him. Whatever one may be going through life, Jesus wants us to continue to experience the joy of his abiding presence.

After much debate had taken place, Peter got up and said to the Apostles and the presbyters, “My brothers, you are well aware that from early days God made his choice among you that through my mouth the Gentiles would hear the word of the Gospel and believe. And God, who knows the heart, bore witness by granting them the Holy Spirit just as he did us. He made no distinction between us and them, for by faith he purified their hearts. Why, then, are you now putting God to the test by placing on the shoulders of the disciples a yoke that neither our ancestors nor we have been able to bear? On the contrary, we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same way as they.”

The whole assembly fell silent, and they listened while Paul and Barnabas described the signs and wonders God had worked among the Gentiles through them. After they had fallen silent, James responded, “My brothers, listen to me. Symeon has described how God first concerned himself with acquiring from among the Gentiles a people for his name. The words of the prophets agree with this, as is written: After this I shall return and rebuild the fallen hut of David; from its ruins I shall rebuild it/ and raise it up again, so that the rest of humanity may seek out the Lord, even all the Gentiles on whom my name is invoked. Thus says the Lord who accomplishes these things, known from of old. It is my judgment, therefore, that we ought to stop troubling the Gentiles who turn to God, but tell them by letter to avoid pollution from idols, unlawful marriage, the meat of strangled animals, and blood. For Moses, for generations now, has had those who proclaim him in every town, as he has been read in the synagogues every sabbath.”

“Proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations.” or “Alleluia.”

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 2026,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.