As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. John 15:9-12 (ESV)
These words of Jesus were first spoken to His disciples during the Last Supper. These words of the beloved Son of God are also for everyone who belongs to the Church, including you and me.
Trusting in His Father’s love, Jesus obeyed His Father’s command to lay down His life in order to save humanity from sin, death, and the devil. As Jesus promises in Mark 16:16 and John 3:16, all who believe in Him and are baptized shall be saved to enjoy eternal life with God.
What great comfort there is in hearing that Jesus has loved us as the Father has loved Him. Not only does Jesus share His Father’s love with us. He also commands and empowers us to share that love with our sisters and brothers in the faith.
As we keep Jesus’ commandments, we receive and experience His joy as the Father so wills. May Jesus’ joy be made full in us as we obey His command to love one another. Amen!