Living in love brings joy

May 19, Thursday, the Fifth Week of Easter
Daily Readings: Acts 15: 7-21, Psalm 96: 1-3.10, John 15:9-11

Following Jesus's command means establishing a relationship with the Father through Jesus. This leads to happiness. We must place ourselves in God's hands and care for the poor, suffering, and needy.

Our experience of loving and being loved is the source of the greatest happiness and life satisfaction. I believe that is the essence of life. Without love, life has no meaning. The subsistence of life without love may become difficult.
 
In the Gospel narrative, Jesus discusses the dynamics of love with his disciples. He associates joy with love. Jesus says, "Remain in my love so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete."
 
Jesus invites us to love and to live with love in him. “As the Father has loved me, so too have I loved you. Now remain in my love” (John 15:9).
 
As followers of Jesus, if we obey his command, we will experience joy and happiness. This happiness and joy result from loving others and following Jesus' commands.
 
Following Jesus' command means establishing a relationship with the Father through Jesus, bringing happiness. How can we follow and offer up to Jesus and his powers? We must place ourselves in God's hands and care for the poor, suffering, and sick. We must assist them and others in living a life of dignity, care, and compassion.
 
Jesus demonstrates how we can love others with a sincere heart and genuine mind. He emptied himself, sacrificed his life for humanity, made us his followers, and showed the world how love could give life and bring happiness.
 
Jesus desires to give us meaning to our lives in love. He bestows respect, dignity, authority, and significance throughout his life. He bestows us grace, power, and importance. To proclaim the gospel of love, we must leave our comfort zone and be at the service of others mirroring his love for us.  
 
Therefore, we must increase our passion for service and sharing.