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Vocation Meditation -
Sixth Sunday of Easter, 2010
Jesus said to his disciples: "Whoever loves me will keep my word and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; and the word that you hear is not mine, but is from the Father who sent me."
"I have said these things to you while I am still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you."
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid."
"You heard me say to you, 'I am going away, and I am coming to you.' If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you this before it occurs, so that when it does occur, you may believe."
John's collection of Jesus' final words is fully loaded with essential truths about keeping His word and the role of the Spirit of truth.
- Obedience to the word revealed by Jesus brings God to every heart. One enters into the fellowship with Him.
- The Holy Spirit, the Advocate, opens the mind and heart of those who obey the word of God.
- The Holy Spirit stands ready to keep minds and hearts attune to the truth. He keeps them from arrogance and error of thought.
- The Holy Spirit brings peace to those who obey. It is not the peace that is the absence of trouble. Struggle is a key element in keeping God's word. The peace He offers overcomes fear. Christ's peace is the peace borne with conquest.
- Those who obey God's word rejoice, believe and hope. They have the assurance of a destination. Where Jesus is now, there we will be! We will be home with God!
Vocation Challenge:
"Whoever loves Me will keep My word."
What 'Word of God' do I strongly keep and obey?
Dear God,
Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. I rejoice in Your Holy Spirit who directs and guides me without fail. He strengthens me in my struggle against superficial living. Let my vocation be enriched daily by obedience to Your Word which assures me of greater fellowship with You.
Amen.
For the full Gospel reading for this Sunday, visit the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops site.