ABIDING IN LOVE: GOD’S WORK, GOD’S WAY - reflex on John 15:9-17
Today we celebrate the Feast of St. Matthias, a disciple whohad followed Jesus from the beginning of his ministry all the way to theAscension. The Apostles understood their role representing the 12 Tribes of Israel,so when Judas chose “to go to his own place” (Acts 1:25) by betraying Jesus,someone needed to fill the gap. Relying on the Holy Spirit, they added Matthias– who had remained with Jesus in faithful love to the end - to complete the 12Apostles. In essence, the fidelity of St. Matthias makes up for the betrayal ofJudas.
St. Matthias is a vivid illustration of Jesus’ words in today’sGospel: “It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you togo and bear fruit that will remain.” Always, the will and action of God comefirst, and it is our task to respond generously! Matthias was called to preachthe Good News. In each of our lives, there is a choosing and a calling. Why? Love.Always, God’s love is first and last, Alpha and Omega, reason and cause and endpoint. We come from Love, we are returning to Love, and Love is supporting andrescuing us every step of the way.
What is this love like? Jesus tells his disciples how muchhe loves us: just as the Father loves the Son, so the Son loves each of us. Itis for us to remain in this love. This is a mystery for us, because our humanminds cannot penetrate the secret Life of God; it is only by loving truly andfully that we can begin to taste this Life for which – for Whom – we are created. We are chosen and called to respond to theLove of Christ, which is offered to us continually. How do we remain in thelove of Christ? He tells us that we abide in his love by keeping hiscommandments. What is his commandment? To love one another as he loves us.
We all know we are called to love others. But do we reflecton what it means to love as Jesus loves? Again, the next line of today’s Gospeltells us clearly: “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s lifefor one’s friends.” We must be willing to be poured out completely for the goodof others, particularly the eternal good ofothers. Because the only fruit that remains is eternal fruit: helping othersfind the Way and the Truth and the Life so that their lives are filled withpeace and meaning and deep joy, no matter their external circumstances. We arecreated to be arrows pointing to the Father with our lives, for His glory andthe good of others.
So we must work to make it our aim to do God’s work God’sway, God’s will for God’s glory. THEN we will be keeping his commandment, andabiding in His love. Alleluia!