“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.”
We are entering the final phase of the Easter season, preparing for the Solemnity of Pentecost. For this reason, Jesus continues His discourse in a tone of farewell. Yet, in Jesus’ teachings, every phrase is filled with love and hope. Jesus begins by saying: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” Loving Jesus is not only about expressing feelings. Loving Him and following His commandments requires concrete expressions and actions. Many times, we want to love Jesus only with beautiful words, pious songs, and elaborate prayers, often without real meaning. That is why Jesus continues preparing His disciples to keep and live His Word. It is important that His Gospel shapes their hearts so they may continue His mission.
Then Jesus makes a deeply consoling promise: “I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate.” Jesus asks the Father to send the Holy Spirit to help us and reveal the truth. He knows the human heart and its loneliness; He knows that without His presence we feel empty, lost, and tired. Therefore, He promises the Holy Spirit, the Advocate. The Holy Spirit sustains, enlightens, consoles, and strengthens us. He is the presence of God within us. It is He who lifts us when we fall and when our faith weakens. It is the Spirit who helps us continue when everything seems hopeless. The disciples were still afraid and insecure, fearful of the future and loneliness, but Jesus assures them: “I will not leave you orphans.” He confirms that He will always be with us. We only need to trust and follow His commandments.
The Gospel also speaks of an invisible presence: “The world will no longer see me, but you will see me.” Seeing Jesus is not only with physical eyes, but recognizing Him with the eyes of the heart. Those who love can perceive God in small gestures: in a simple word, in human fragility, in a gesture of affection, in a child’s smile. Faith teaches us to see beyond appearances, to have a compassionate and loving gaze.
“I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you.”
Here lies the center of Christian life: communion with God. He dwells within us; we do not need to seek Him in extraordinary things. Jesus invites us to look within and recognize His presence in everyday life. This loving presence strengthens our faith and fidelity to the Gospel.
Jesus concludes with these beautiful words: “I will love him and reveal myself to him.”
Jesus reveals Himself to those who open their hearts. Those who love Him and keep His Word remain united with Him and will feel His consoling presence.
In conclusion, the Gospel reminds us that we are not alone or abandoned. We are God’s dwelling. And when we allow Christ to live in us, our lives become a living sign of divine love in the world.
Sr. Dorisdete Rodríguez de Brito
Rosa Santaeugenia Province
