Gilderious Khonglah csc –
Readings: Acts 14:5-18; Jn 14:21-26
The gospel today tells us that the secret of a happy and successful Christian life is to do each thought, word, and deed out of love for God. It is to seek always, as Jesus did in his earthly life, to please his heavenly Father in all things. The deeds that please God are deeds accomplished according to his holy will. If we love another, we must want to please that person in all things best for that person. Jesus tells us, “If you keep my commandments, you shall abide in my love. Even as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love” (Jn. 15:10). In his earthly life, Jesus tried always to keep the commandments of the heavenly Father. “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” (Lk. 22:42)
Scripture shows us that God reveals his mind in many ways. God spoke his commands through Moses and the Ten Commandments given to his people, Israel. He declared his wishes through the prophets, who delicately listened to his inspirations. St. Joseph was told in a dream that he should take Mary and the child Jesus into Egypt, and after the death of Herod, he was instructed in another dream to return in safety to Palestine.
Peter was given a vision of God’s plan for the redemption of the gentiles. Paul and Barnabas were selected to preach to the gentiles by the Church of Antioch through prayer and fasting that allowed them to hear the Holy Spirit. If we manage to have this intimacy with Jesus, we shall be good sons and daughters of God, and we will always enjoy his friendship, whether in the street, amidst our daily chores, or in our family life.