As the Father Has Loved Me, So Have I Loved You

In today’s Gospel (John 15:9-17), Jesus speaks of a profound love, one that transcends human understanding. He speaks of a love that is rooted in sacrifice and devotion, a love that mirrors the divine love of God Himself. As I reflect on this passage, I am struck by the depth and breadth of God’s love for us.

Jesus begins by stating, “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you.” This comparison is staggering in its implications. It suggests that the love between the Father and the Son is the same love that Jesus extends to us. It is a love that is eternal, unconditional, and unwavering.

Moreover, Jesus goes on to say, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” Here, Jesus not only defines the ultimate expression of love—self-sacrifice—but also foreshadows His own impending sacrifice on the cross. It is through His death and resurrection that we are reconciled to God. Jesus’ death as an innocent, sinless man is historical evidence to the boundless love He has for each of us.

Furthermore, Jesus invites us into a deeper relationship with Him, saying, “You are my friends if you do what I command.” This friendship is not based on merit or worthiness but on our willingness to follow His teachings and abide in His love (just like last week’s gospel – to attach ourselves as branches to Jesus who is the vine). It is a relationship built on trust, obedience, and mutual affection.

As I contemplate these words, I am reminded of the immense privilege it is to be called a friend of Jesus. It is a privilege that comes with great responsibility—to love one another as He has loved us. This love is not passive or superficial but active and sacrificial. It requires us to extend grace, forgiveness, and compassion to those around us, even when it is difficult. St Thomas Aquinas, one of the Einstein’s of the Catholic Church defines love as “willing the good of the other.” Do I will the good of the other? Do I even think about those around me or does my day revolve around me? How might I be called to love and will the good of those around me today?

This Gospel offers a profound meditation on the nature of God’s love. It is a love that is sacrificial, unconditional, and transformative. It is a love that invites us into a deeper relationship with our Creator and with one another. May we strive to abide in this love and to share it with the world around us, for it is through love that we truly reflect the image of God. Thus, if God is love, and if we are loving towards others, then we are not only reflecting goodness, but also God-ness in the world!

With brotherly love,

Fr Gerard