SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER A
LOVE IS THE EYE
Jn 14: 15-21
MESSAGE
The Risen Jesus appeared to his Blessed Mother, to his apostles, to select women, and to other disciples. But he did not appear to the Pharisees, scribes, leaders of the people, and the Roman soldiers. This makes many people wonder; perhaps if he did so, many more would believe and more quickly at that.
The Gospel today speaks of a very special condition that exists between the Lord Jesus and his followers. It is love. He insists on love; love makes a person keep the Lord’s commandments. Love binds a person to Jesus and the Father. Love allows Jesus to reveal himself fully.
Hugo of St. Victor, a theologian and mystic, famously said that “love is the eye.” By this he meant that one who loves sees things in a more profound and meaningful way. There is more clarity when a person sees with the eye of love rather than an eye of doubt, suspicion, or unbelief. This is the reason why only those closest to Jesus saw him after his Resurrection; they truly loved him! The reverse is true; without love, one cannot see the Lord.
In love, the Lord bestows his gift, the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept this Gift because it has no love for the Lord. Only an open heart and willing heart can receive the Holy Spirit whom Jesus sends.
REFLECT
In the silence of prayer, reflect on your love for Jesus. Do you love him as he deserves: with total devotion and commitment to his words? Does your love for him translate into patience, forgiveness, and service to others? Ask the Holy Spirit for the special grace to love God and remain in his love.
