Gospel for May 9 2021 – John 15:9-17
Gospel Reflections for May 9 2021
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 preparing for marriage. I sometimes ask them, “When did you first feel this was the person you wanted to commit your life to?”
They will often say something like, “…when my partner knew everything about me, all my good qualities and even my major faults and failings …and still loved me!”
There is truth in that. When you feel free to speak your innermost secrets to someone …and they still accept you …well, that can be some of the most fulfilling moments of your life!
I also ask engaged couples if they can freely 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….”
People in love should share everything with each other. But how is that done well? Sometimes sharing leads to arguments!
After all, just because you want to talk about something important right now doesn’t mean your spouse is in the mood to talk at all, and so hurt feelings or an argument can follow. That is just bad timing! People are rarely on the same level of intimacy at the same time.
Engaged couples successfully have these important conversations because they are usually in the context of a date, where they have arranged a special time and place, like a quiet dinner together, to share important topics. They have both agreed on a time and place to share deep things 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 married couples return to that simple idea of arranging a “Date,” a place and time for sharing important topics. Setting aside at least one time every week to share how your relationship is doing will ensure your love will last.
Jesus invites us to do the same with Him! Every Sunday is our “Date” with Our Lord when we share our innermost thoughts and He shares Himself intimately in the Eucharist with us. Never let more than seven days pass without checking in with Our Lord …and your loved ones too.
You now have the inside story for lasting happiness!
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
Dear Father Dave,
Great synopsis. The old saying, “Timing is everything,” still has merit. Most of us have a list of tried and true situations to prove this.
However, your main point of receiving Christ in the Eucharist every week touches the heart.
This year will linger in our memories for a long time for many reasons, and the absence of physically going to Mass and receiving Communion is definitely one of them.
But with God’s help, after every hardship we live through, our joy and appreciation is so elevated when the crisis is over.
God bless you.
Kathleen
Well said. I believe that all parishes will come back stronger than ever because of the shutdown this last year. People have been confronted with life and death issues for over a year now. I think that will inspire a new wave of faith!
Yes, I believe that as well, with all my heart.
Perfect!
Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee having a date with our Lord!!! Every Sunday and every day of our lives!!! Love receiving our Jesus in Holy Communion and loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee receiving His love!!! In life we all loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeee to be with our love ones, have special moments with our beautiful family and loving friends!! It is precious when we receive a response with their love!!! Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee it!!We need to always respond to the precious, beautiful love given to us in the Eucharist and then share that love with the world as you do Father Dave!!! What a beautiful world we would have!!! It begins with each one of us!!!Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee it!!!!
Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee, Franca and Dick
Thank you!
How good it is to have a conversation with someone who uplifts
our spirits and helps us get in touch with our better selves!
How much more will our heavenly Father help us as we get to know Him
and remain in His love.
Yes, Our Father offers nothing but total love and support!