TODAYS REFLECTION 5TH WEEK OF EASTER THURS APRIL 28

TODAYS REFLECTION 5TH WEEK OF EASTER THURS APRIL 28 ( Acts 15:7-21, Jn 15:9-11).

#WEARECALLEDTOLOVEANDEVANGELIZE#

In (Evangelii Nuntiandi, 14), Pope Paul VI says that the church exists to evangelize. In the first reading we see meeting of the leaders of the early church in Jerusalem which was one of the most important in history. This is not because they ruled against the necessity of circumcision for Gentile Christians but because they removed an obstacle to world evangelization. The result of the meeting was that "Paul and Barnabas continued in Antioch, along with many others, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord" (Acts 15:35).

Friends todays gospel offers us  three beautiful insights; First, the love of the Father for the Son is perfect in every way. It is unconditional and all-consuming. It's total and selfless. In receiving the Father's love, Jesus receives all He needs. Second, the love Jesus receives from the Father cannot be contained. It cannot be kept to Himself. The love of the Father is such that it overflows from Jesus' heart, thirdly It must overflow from our hearts to others. Therefore, if we are to be true recipients of the love of the Father and the Son, we must in turn let that love pour forth onto others in an "unlimited" and "unconditional" way.

God loves the world so much because he created it to reflect his glory. He wants us to be united with himself in an inseparable bond of unity, peace, and joy that endures for all eternity. He sent his son Jesus who proved his love by giving his life for us on the cross of Calvary. Through the shedding of his blood for our sake, our sins are not only washed clean, but new life is poured out for us through the gift of the Holy Spirit. We prove our love for God and for one another when we embrace the way of the cross. Lord Inflame our hearts with love for you and for our neighbours, May there be nothing in our lives which keep us from your love.