Monday 19 May 2025 - A deeper connection

Monday 19 May 2025

Today is Monday the 19th of May, in the 5th week of Eastertide.     The community of Taizé sing, ‘Holy Spirit, come to us. Kindle in us the fire of your love.’    Veni Sancte Spiritus  Tui amoris ignem accende  Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John.    John 14:21-26  They who have my commandments and keep them are those who love me; and those who love me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them.’ Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, ‘Lord, how is it that you will reveal yourself to us, and not to the world?’ Jesus answered him, ‘Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. 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.    Listening to this passage from John’s gospel, we may be reminded that Jesus is not just speaking to Judas but to you personally. How do you feel as Jesus speaks of love, obedience, and the Holy Spirit?    Jesus’ teaching is clear. Love is not just a feeling, it is an active response. Love is shown through keeping His commandments, not because we have to, but as a response to a loving, meaningful relationship. Take a moment to consider: what is your response to God’s Commandments? Do you feel God calling you to a deeper connection in your daily life?    Jesus promises that those who love him will be loved by the Father, and he will reveal himself to them. More than that, ‘we will come to them and make our home with them.’  Imagine… the divine presence dwelling within you, God making a home in your heart. How might this change the way you see yourself and your relationship with the Divine?    Jesus reassures his friends that they will not be left alone. The Holy Spirit will continue to support and guide them. We also have the gift of the Holy Spirit. As we listen to the passage again, reflect on times when you have experienced the Holy Spirit’s guidance in your life.  John 14:21-26  They who have my commandments and keep them are those who love me; and those who love me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them.’ Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, ‘Lord, how is it that you will reveal yourself to us, and not to the world?’ Jesus answered him, ‘Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. 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.    ‘I have said these things to you while I am still with you.’ Jesus is still with us. In a moment of prayer picture yourself responding to Jesus’ words. Take this time to share your desires, fears, and struggles. May your heart become a home where the Lord dwells. Amen.  Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.   As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be  World without end  Amen