Remain in My Love 🩷

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Easter Season:  Fifth Week :  Thursday*

*Gospel : Jn 15:9-11*

*First Reading : Acts 15:7-21*

*Responsorial Psalm: 96:1-2a, 2b-3, 10*

*Remain in My Love 🩷*

*“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. So, remain in my love.”* (John 15:9)

*1) Invitation to Intimacy*

Jesus invites His followers into a relationship rooted in divine love—a love that flows from the Father to the Son, and from the Son to the disciples. 

This is not merely a command to love, but a call to dwell in the very love that defines the Trinity.

*2) Foundation for Christian Life*

Remaining in Christ’s love is foundational for living as His disciple. 

Everything else—obedience, mission, fruitfulness, joy—flows from this abiding relationship.

*3) Call to Perseverance*

The word *“remain”* implies constancy and perseverance.

It's a call to stay rooted, especially in times of suffering, doubt, or distraction

*4) Union with Christ*

The verse is tied to the vine-branches imagery (John 15:1–8), emphasizing that disciples are to live in organic, life-giving union with Jesus. 

Remaining in His love is the way to bear fruit.

*5) Love Rooted in Obedience*

Remaining in Christ’s love is not passive. 

It involves aligning our lives with His teaching.

Obedience here is not legalism but a loving response to God’s initiative.

*6) Fruitfulness as a Result (John 15:5,8)*

*“If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit.”*

The love we receive is meant to overflow into action—service, compassion, holiness, and witness.

*7) Joy Made Complete (John 15:11)*

*“I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”*

Remaining in His love leads to deep, lasting joy, not tied to circumstances but to communion with Christ.

*8) Reflection for Today*

Remaining in Jesus’ love is an ongoing choice—through prayer, sacrament, obedience, and community.

It is both a comfort and a challenge. 

It comforts us with the assurance of being loved unconditionally. 

It challenges us to live in a way that reflects that love in all areas of life.

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*