Gospel for May 5 2024 – John 15:9-17
Gospel Reflections for May 5 2024
Jesus reveals the secret…
At the Last Supper Jesus speaks some of His final words, and they reveal the secret to lasting happiness for anyone in love.
When I meet engaged couples I sometimes ask them, “When did you first feel this was the person you wanted to commit your life to?”
They often say something like, “…when my partner knew everything about me, all my good qualities and even my failings …and still loved me!”
There is truth in that. When you can speak your innermost secrets to someone …and they still accept you …well, that can be the most satisfying moment of your life!
I also ask couples if they can discuss anything with each other. That is also a signal that their love is authentic.
Jesus signals that kind of intimate relationship in today’s Gospel. “I have told you everything….”
How can couples share important topics well?
First, no one has the right to command another person’s attention. After all, just because you want to talk about something right now doesn’t mean your spouse is in the mood to talk at all. That is just bad timing! People are rarely on the same level of intimacy at the same time.
Second, engaged couples have these conversations successfully because they occur on a date, where they have arranged a special time and place, like a quiet dinner, where the topic is precisely their relationship. They have agreed on a time and place to share deep ideas and so are mutually in the mood for talking …and especially hearing each other. That is what makes their conversation so successful. That is why dating works so well!
Wise couples keep that idea of arranging a date. Setting aside at least one time every week to share how you relationship is doing will ensure your love will last.
Jesus invites you to do the same with Him! Every Sunday is your date with Our Lord, when you share your deepest thoughts, and He shares Himself intimately in the Eucharist with you. Never let more than seven days pass without checking in with Our Lord …and your loved ones too.
Amazingly, Jesus shares these secrets to lasting love just a few hours before his arrest, torture, and crucifixion. No thoughts about fear or anger …just love.
You now have the secret to lasting happiness!
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
I treasure those moments with Jesus in communion.
I dare to say that “lapsed Catholics” do not believe that Jesus is present in the Bread and Wine. or they would attend Mass regularly.
Yes, indeed. If they knew they would never miss a Mass!
Enjoyed your comments on discussions with engaged couples. Brought me back to times at San Gabriel Mission High when my Wife chose me to be her Husband. Seventy Years later ,Five Children ,Ten Grands And Three Great Grands it all seems a beautiful Dream.
She recently passed away but what a great life.
I am so Thankful for all the Blessings received and Love expressed. The Gospel this Sunday shows the importance of loving each other. Understanding there is a process of giving and getting but giving takes precedence.
Thanks for reminding me of those days of yesteryear where it all began.
Dear Tom,
My deepest condolences to you on the passing of your beloved wife.
Seventy years together is beautiful!
God bless you.
Kathleen Auth
Hello Tom,
Glad you shared about your beautiful life together with your wife. Sounds like your a strong example of the Catholic Way..
All the way to living to see your great-grandchildren! You are blessed for sure!
Hi Father Dave: I remember a sermon you gave at the temporary shopping center St Max chapel while we waited for the church to be built. Your sermon was on the very issue of make a Sunday date with the Lord each week. As I recall, the congregation gave you a loud ovation. This had to be 15 years ago or more, obviously a memorable homily. All the best, Argyle
You have a great memory! I also remember fondly those Masses in the shopping center before St. Max was built. Thanks for the memories!
A beautiful explanation on how wise couples maintain their relationships, Fr. Dave!
The same is true when we spend time with the Lord.
He, listening to us and we speaking to Him with grateful hearts.
No relationship is better than that!
Well said!
Dear Father Dave,
Yes, a weekly date with our lord at Mass is a treasured event of prayer and communion. It refreshes and lifts our souls.
Jesus, our savior, is the very essence of life, love, and sacrifice.
It’s so important to me to never lose sight of that and never forget what He did for our salvation.
It’s this very deep faith that is sustaining our daughter and her children in the wake of the untimely and tragic death of her husband and father of her children. The Celebration of Life Mass at St. Raphael’s church in Kauai was beautiful. Over six-hundred people were there in prayer and support. Steve was loved and respected by so many. He was a Eucharistic Minister and a lector when needed. He helped wherever he could.
He was with his company for thirty-three years and had worked his way up to District Manager. He and our daughter have been married thirty years. Their children are loving and very responsible young adults. Our grandson-in-law just made his confirmation and first holy communion. He told me how much this conversion has impacted and deepened his life.
God bless you! Thank you for your prayers.
Kathleen
So sorry to hear about this loss to your family. I am inspired by your description of all the services for him at St. Raphael’s Church in Kauai. Please be assured of my prayers as well.
So wonderful to be Catholic!
I really do not think the mainstream knows how much we receive from Our Father in Heaven.
Grace, blessings, peace, gifts, community, and continuity from the Church and Pastors,
Our Beautiful and loving Lord, set the example of living in Grace, he left for us the most well thought out scriptures for us to follow. Our Precious Holy Bible is our Sacred book that gives us everything we need to understand and to follow, as a blueprint or a good map that keeps us from faltering or getting lost.
Thank you Fr. Dave
You are very welcome!