In today’s Gospel, we remain in the Upper Room, listening to Jesus as he prepares his disciples for his departure. It is a moment filled with emotion. Parting from those we love is never easy, and the disciples feel the weight of uncertainty and fear. They are a small and fragile group, already shaken by betrayal, yet Jesus entrusts them with a mission: to reveal to the world the face of a loving and merciful God.
Understandably, they wonder how they can accomplish such a task. Jesus does not give them a detailed plan. Instead, he offers a promise: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments… and I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, the Spirit of truth.”
At the centre of this Gospel is love—not merely an emotion, but a way of life. The love Jesus speaks of is self-giving, generous, and unconditional. It seeks the good of the other without expecting anything in return. To love in this way is to make one’s life a gift. This is what it means to follow Christ: to align our lives with his, to think and act as he did.
When Jesus speaks of “commandments,” he is not imposing burdens. Rather, he is inviting us to live from within the very life of God. Love takes shape in many concrete ways: forgiving those who hurt us, helping those in need, choosing honesty and compassion over selfish gain. In each moment, the Spirit guides us to discern what love requires.
Living this way is not always easy. The values of the Gospel often seem out of step with the world around us. When we speak of forgiveness, sacrifice, or integrity, we may be misunderstood or even ridiculed. At times, we may feel alone. Yet Jesus reassures us: “I will not leave you orphans.” The Holy Spirit remains with us—our Advocate, our guide, our strength—encouraging us to remain faithful to the path of love.
As we reflect on this message, we also celebrate Mother’s Day. In a special way, mothers embody this self-giving love. Their care is constant, their sacrifices often unseen, their love patient and enduring. They give of themselves generously, seeking the good of their children above all else. In this, they reflect the very love that Jesus calls us to live.
Today, we give thanks for our mothers, for their devotion and generosity. We remember also those who have passed on, entrusting them to God’s eternal care. Their love continues to shape our lives and remains a lasting gift.
As we continue this Easter season, may we take to heart the words of Jesus. Let us open ourselves to the Spirit, who teaches us how to love in every situation. And may our lives, like those of our mothers, become a quiet yet powerful witness to the love of God in the world.
Father Josekutty Mathew CMF
