Thursday of the Fifth Week of Easter
One of the special graces of the Easter season is that we hear more from the incredible Gospel according to John than at any other time of the liturgical year. The other Gospel writers each have their own year but John comes to us during Eastertime every year.
There are countless beautiful sayings of Jesus in the fourth Gospel. In the eastern church the authors of the synoptics (Mark, Matthew, & Luke) are called "evangelists." But the author of John is referred to as “the theologian.” He is set apart in the uniqueness that is his. John’s words have sustained countless Christians through time.
The incredible words we hear today are beyond beautiful or inspiring. These are assuring words to hold on to especially when life is most challenging and difficult. Perhaps the most powerful of these powerful words of Jesus we hear today is the single word “abide.”
To “abide” reflects an intimacy that is beyond all telling — a closeness, an assurance, a promise that is eternal. And the result of this love is perfect “joy.” “I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.” This is far more than mere worldly happiness, which more often than not depends on favorable circumstances and comes and goes. Instead it is a deep, “abiding” peace that comes from knowing we are profoundly loved.
Our promised love and source of perfect joy is the depth of divine love, the love that Jesus shares with the Father. It is much more than a passing or fleeting emotion, but an unwavering sacrificial commitment flowing from the sacrificial love that is the love of Christ. And the more we share this love to others the more it flows to us.
To attain this love so as to “abide” in him we are to keep his commandments. As the great mystics throughout time like John of the cross and Teresa of Avila have taught us, the reference to commandments doesn't refer to some kind of rigid legalism but a joyful (there’s that word again) participation in a life of grace.
May we “abide” in this love always.
—Timothy J. Cronin