Sixth Sunday of Easter

Proverbs 31:30: Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

PRAYER FOR THE DAY:

Heavenly Father, please give us best eyes and more faithful hearts that we may value in all people qualities that reflect your character. Bless us as we raise our children that we may inspire in them a sense of proper values as you taught us, when they prepare and received you as Lord and Saviour. In Infant Jesus' name. Amen.

Today's Readings (May 10, 2012)

Sixth Sunday of Easter

First Reading: Acts 10:25-26, 34-35, 44-48

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 98:1, 2-3, 3-4

Second Reading: 1 John 4:7-10

Gospel: John 15:9-17

Colour: WHITE

Lectionary: 56

Short reflection on Today's Gospel (John 15: 9-17)

Jesus' love was wholly intended for toward the good of others. He loved them for their sake and for their wellbeing. That is why he laid-down his own life for us to free us from sin, death, fear, and every thing that could hold us back from the love of God. We are to love others as Jesus has loved us. True love is sacrificial. It gives all to the beloved. It holds not anything back. It is wholly directed towards the good of another. There is no greater proof in love than the sacrifice of one's life for the sake of another. Jesus showed his love for his disciples by giving his life for them, even to death on the cross. We prove our love for God and for one another when we hold the way of the cross. What is the cross in my life? When my will crosses with God's will, then God's will must be done. True love is precious. Those who truly love give the best they can present and are willing to forfeit everything they have for the beloved. God freely paid the price for our salvation – the sacrifise of his only begotten Son. That's the nature of true companionship and love – the willing-ness to give all for the beloved. True friends will give up their lives for each other. Jesus tells us that he is our friend and he loves us whole-heartedly and unconditionally. He wants us to love one another just as he loves us, unconditionally and without reserve. His love fills our hearts and changes our minds and frees us to give ourselves in loving service to others. If we open our hearts to his love and follow his command to love our neighbor, then we will bear much fruit in our lives, fruit that will last for perpetuity. Do we wish to be triumphant and to abound in the love of God?