To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
Gospel Reflection – Monday, May 19, 2025
Love is repaid with love
Dear friends,
During these weeks, we’ve reflected on the different ways the Risen Lord is present: in the community, the Eucharist, and the shepherds of the Church. All of these come together in one central command: the commandment of love. The Church is a Eucharistic community guided by the Good Shepherd—but this only makes sense if it is also a community centered on love.
Without love, the Church becomes just a sect, the Eucharist an empty ritual, and the leadership of the shepherds nothing more than a power structure. But when love is the foundation, the Risen Christ is truly present. Then the community becomes the real Body of Christ, the Eucharist becomes the banquet of love in which we truly share in the mystery of Easter, and the pastors reflect the only true Shepherd—Christ Himself, guiding His Church through the Holy Spirit.
This week, we’re invited to go deeper into the meaning of love, to examine ourselves. Today, Jesus already gives us some important clues. Love is not just a feeling, something emotional or spontaneous like sympathy. True love comes from the heart, from the center of our freedom and will. It means choosing to follow God’s will, as shown to us in Christ—His commandments and His words.
When we respond to God’s love in this way, we become deeply united with Christ—and through Him, with the Father. And when this love turns into a way of life, when we put Jesus’ Word into practice, He reveals Himself to us more and more clearly. We become a dwelling place for God, a temple of the Holy Spirit.
This revelation is given only to those who love God and keep His commandments—but that doesn’t mean we should become proud or closed off. On the contrary, this encounter with Jesus helps us to recognize His face in others—even in those who are not yet part of the Church, especially in those who suffer.
The Spirit of Jesus, the Spirit of love, leads us out of ourselves, sends us on mission, and inspires us to do good for everyone—just like Paul and Barnabas in Lystra. When we love with the love of Christ, it’s not our own strength that is working, but the creative power of God, the same power that made heaven and earth, and that raised Jesus from the dead.
Warm regards,