Remain in my Love : How to remain in Jesus' 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 : How to remain in Jesus' Love?*

*1) What does “remain in my love” mean?*

To “remain” (or “abide”) isn’t about a one-time feeling. 

It means to stay, to dwell, to live continuously in that love.

Jesus explains it clearly: “If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love…”

So remaining in His love means:

Staying connected to Him in a daily, living relationship

Trusting His love even when you don’t feel it

Letting your life be shaped by His teachings

It’s less about emotion, more about relationship and commitment.

*2) How can we remain in Jesus’ love?*

A few practical ways:

*A) Keep His commandments* : Not as a burden, but as a response to love. Just like in any relationship, love grows through faithfulness.

*B) Stay close through prayer* :  Regular conversation with Jesus keeps the relationship alive.

*C) Live in His Word* :   Reflecting on Scripture helps us understand His heart.

*D) Love others* :  Jesus connects His love with how we treat others. Loving people is one of the clearest signs we are abiding in Him.

*E) Trust Him in difficulties* :  Remaining doesn’t mean life is easy—it means we don’t walk away when it’s hard.

*3) Why is Jesus saying this?*

At that moment, Jesus knows: His disciples will soon face confusion, fear, and suffering

He will no longer be physically present

So He gives them the key to stability: Stay rooted in my love, no matter what happens.

He is essentially saying: “Everything may change around you—but don’t lose this connection with me.”

*4) How to understand this deeply?*

Think of it like a branch and a vine (just earlier in John 15):

A branch cannot survive on its own

Its life comes from staying connected

In the same way: Our spiritual life, peace, and purpose come from staying connected to Jesus

Without that connection, we feel empty, anxious, or lost

So “remaining” is not a rule—it’s the source of life itself.

*5) Why is this important for our life?*

Jesus gives the answer Himself: “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”

This is powerful: Not just happiness (which depends on circumstances)

But deep, lasting joy rooted in love

Without remaining in His love:

Life can feel directionless

Love becomes conditional

Joy becomes temporary

With it:

You gain inner stability

A sense of being deeply loved

Strength to face challenges

*6) Deeper Reflection*

Here are a few simple reflections you can carry:

You are loved as the Father loves Jesus—that’s an infinite, unbreakable love

Remaining in that love is not about perfection, but staying connected

Every day is a choice: drift away or remain

A gentle way to reflect:

“Am I living today aware that I am loved by Jesus?

And am I responding to that love?”

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*