Reflection for Thursday May 14 Feast of Saint Matthias, Apostle: John 15:9-17

Gospel: John 15:9-17

Jesus said to his disciples: “As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and remain in his love.  

“I have told you this so that my joy might be in you and your joy might be complete. This is my commandment: love one another as I love you. No one has greater love than this to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I no longer call you slaves, because a slave does not know what his master is doing.   

I have called you friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father. It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you. This I command you: love one another.”

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Reflection:

What is an ideal life in this world?

It is a life that remains deeply rooted and forever attached to the love of God. Without God’s love dwelling in our hearts, our lives would become empty, barren, and without true meaning.

The love of God is the very essence of our existence, for we were not created merely to chase the things of this world. We came into this world to live for God, to walk in His ways, and to love Him above all else.

When we allow ourselves to love this world more than God, we slowly create a deep emptiness within our souls. No matter how much wealth, power, success, or recognition we may gain, none of these can truly satisfy the longing of our hearts.

Everything in this world is temporary. One day, we will leave all these things behind, or they will eventually leave us. But the love of God will never fade, never abandon us, and never fail us. His love remains faithful through every season of our lives.

What truly matters, then, is the love of God—nothing else but the love of God. This is why Jesus lovingly calls us to remain in His love. When we continue to abide in Him, we receive strength to endure every trial, courage to overcome every fear, and peace even in the midst of suffering and uncertainty.

The love of God gives us hope when we are discouraged, light when we are in darkness, and life when our hearts grow weary. Even the fear of death loses its power when we live securely in the embrace of God’s eternal love.

May we never allow the temporary things of this world to take the place that belongs to God alone in our hearts. Instead, may we remain faithful in seeking Him, trusting Him, and loving Him each day of our lives. For in the end, it is only God’s love that can truly fill the deepest longing of our souls.

Today, as the Lord gently calls us to remain in His love, are we willing to let go of the things that pull our hearts away from Him and fully surrender ourselves to the love that alone can give us true peace, joy, and eternal life?— Marino J. Dasmarinas