Love towards Jesus, which Reveals His personality to us

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Easter Season : Fifth Week:  Monday*

*Gospel :  Jn 14:21-26*

*First Reading : Acts 14:5-18*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 115:1-2, 3-4, 15-16*

*Love towards Jesus, which Reveals His personality to us*

*1)Love as the condition for knowing Jesus*

When Jesus says, “Whoever has my commandments and keeps them is the one who loves me,” he connects love with action. 

Love here is not abstract—it’s expressed through living his teachings (like forgiveness, humility, compassion).

The striking promise is: “I will love them and reveal myself to them.”

This suggests that understanding Jesus is not primarily intellectual—it’s relational and experiential. 

The more a person lives in love, the more they begin to “recognize” his presence in their life.

*2) Revealing himself” — what does that mean?*

Jesus is not talking about a visible appearance, but an inner awareness. His “self-revelation” happens through:

A deepening sense of peace and clarity

A growing alignment with truth and goodness

A quiet conviction or guidance in decisions

In Christian theology, this inner presence is linked to the Holy Spirit, whom Jesus calls the “Advocate” or “Helper” in this same passage. 

The Spirit teaches, reminds, and makes Jesus’ words come alive within a person.

*3) Love creates a dwelling place for God*

Jesus says, “We will come to them and make our home with them.”

This is a powerful image: love becomes the space where God “lives.” 

It implies that God is not distant—God becomes present in the interior life of a person who loves.

*4) Relevance to daily life*

This teaching has very practical implications:

Faith is lived, not just believed

Knowing Jesus isn’t about memorizing ideas—it’s about practicing love in ordinary situations: patience with family, honesty in work, kindness to strangers.

Love becomes a way of perception

When you act in love, you begin to see differently—people, situations, even suffering take on new meaning.

Inner guidance matters

The idea of the Holy Spirit suggests that you’re not navigating life alone. 

Reflection, conscience, and inner nudges toward goodness are part of this “teaching.”

Presence over proof

Instead of asking “Where is God?”, this passage invites: “How am I living?”

Because the experience of God’s presence is tied to how one loves.

*5) Points to Ponder*

Where am I choosing love even when it’s difficult?

Do my actions reflect the teachings I claim to believe?

When have I felt a quiet inner clarity or peace after doing what is right?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*