Homily for May 15, 2017.
Jesus is
saying to us today: “He who has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who
loves me; and he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him
and MANIFEST myself to him.” John 14:21.
What does Jesus mean by manifesting himself to the one who keeps his
commandments? Indeed this verse is only a reiteration of what Jesus said
earlier in that same chapter:
“Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in me will also do the
works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I go to the
Father. Whatever you ask in my name, I will do it, that the Father may be
glorified in the Son; if you ask anything in my name, I will do it.” John
14:12-14.
By manifestation, Jesus is saying, if you love me, you will keep my
commandments and by so doing, you will work great miracles because I will be
with you and I will glorify myself in you. In fact, anything you ask, you will
get it, even if it’s a miracle.
Anyone who
genuinely loves God by keeping the commandments will experience this
manifestation. O yes, great things will happen God is present.
Paul and
Barnabas are great examples of men who witnessed the MANIFESTATION of God’s
power physically in the course of their missionary enterprise. As we read in
today’s first reading, they healed a man who was born cripple.
This was
purely the work of God; a manifestation of God’s presence in the midst of men;
a confirmation of everything that Jesus said in John chapter 14:21 “He who
loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and MANIFEST myself to
him.”
Do I really
love God enough to provoke his presence in my life? Indeed, if I really want to
know how much love I have for God, I just need to examine my conscience and see
how well I have been keeping his commandments. If I have been failing in this
regard, it means I have no love for God.
When a
young man is in love with a girl, he is ready to do anything she says; even if
it means emptying his bank account, he just wants to please her. She doesn’t even
have to say anything, once he looks at her, he knows what she wants and he
rushes with alacrity to get it for her.
If only we
can relate with God this way! If only we can so love God as to keep every one
of his commandment. Indeed, we would see his manifestation in our lives.
Let us
pray: Lord Jesus, grant me a sincere love for you. Amen
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith.
It is well with you. God bless you. (Monday of the 5th Week of
Easter. Bible Study: Acts 14:5-18 and John 14:21-26).
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