1Reflection for Sunday May 26, Sixth Sunday of Easter: John 14:23-29

Gospel: John 14:23-29

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 dwelling with him. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; yet the word you hear is not mine but that of the Father who sent me.

“I have told you this while I am with you. The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. You heard me tell you, ‘I am going away and I will come back to you.’ If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father; for the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you this before it happens, so that when it happens you may believe.”

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:

The story is told of a woman who pledged her undying love for God through her active involvement in a charismatic prayer group. Yet, the irony of her loud profession of love was her quiet ambition—to assert leadership even when many in the group opposed it. One cannot help but ask: does this woman truly love God? And if she does, does she walk in His commandments?

In this Sunday’s Gospel, our Lord Jesus gently reminds us of the inseparable link between love, obedience, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. He speaks not only of love, but of a love that proves itself through faithfulness—a love that brings peace, not division. How can we claim to love God if we disregard His word? How can we welcome the presence of the Holy Spirit if our lives are cluttered with self-interest and pride, dressed as devotion?

Many of us proclaim with our lips that we love the Lord. We profess our belief in the Most Holy Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—and faithfully attend Sunday Mass. Yet, how often do our actions betray our words? How often do we honor God with our lips while our hearts remain far from Him?

We are called to pause and reflect deeply. If we truly desire a life in Christ, then a radical transformation must take place within us—a conversion of the heart. Only then can we say, with sincerity and truth, that we are living His word and walking in His light.

For one day, we will leave this world behind. And when that hour comes, no earthly possession, power or title will matter. What will matter is whether we lived for Christ, loved Him, and kept His commandments.

Heaven is not earned by eloquent prayers or impressive positions—but by a heart wholly surrendered to God. The path to eternal life is simple, yet profound: to love God with all our heart, and to keep His commandments. — Marino J. Dasmarinas