Gospel for May 18 2025 – John 13:31-33, 34-35
Gospel Reflections for May 18 2025
If we were Angels…
Today’s Gospel connects love …with rules!
James Madison, the main author of our US Constitution and fourth President said; “If people were angels …there would be no need for government!” I think our new Pope Leo XIV, and in fact all popes, would say the same thing.
After all, if people authentically loved each other as Angels do, there would be no crime at all; no freeway speeding, no robberies, and certainly no terrorism. It is our lack of love that requires rules, regulations, and police. Yet, this Gospel believes Angelic love is possible.
I see it often among engaged couples who are deeply in love …and yet have so many “rules.”
They will always talk every day, always ask how the other is doing, and always seek even more time with each other. Do they see all those “always” behaviors as “rules?” …In no way! They enjoy them!
Their love expresses the Gospel message well. If we authentically love someone, you naturally and freely orient all your behavior around your loved one. People in love don’t think they are following any rules at all. They just freely and always align their behaviors in ways that match their love.
Can you imagine if on their first date they both said, “It is nice to meet you …now here are my rules!” (…I think It would be their last date!)
In the same way, some people experience religion as just a set of rules, so they fade away. If they have not yet felt the love of God they will only see a bureaucratic institution. Yet the Church is precisely the opposite.
If you feel God’s love and want to express your love for God, then all the gestures, music, vestments, and prayers are not bureaucratic rules at all but rather expressions of a love that is already be present.
People in love will joyfully follow very demanding loving behaviors toward God or loved ones because they sincerely want to, not because they have to.
If we were Angels, there would be no government …but there would still be Church! Angels are already present at every Mass. They always want to be where Our Lord shares His love.
I hope you will also find a generous outpouring of food, exciting rides …and a loving community at our SpringFest this weekend!
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
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