First Reading (Acts 14,19-28)
Reading of the Acts of the Apostles.
In those days, Jews arrived from Antioch and Iconium and convinced the crowds. Then they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, thinking he was dead. But as the disciples surrounded him, Paul got up and entered the city. The next day he left for Derbe with Barnabas. After preaching the Gospel in that city and making many disciples, they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch. Encouraging the disciples, they exhorted them to remain firm in the faith, telling them: “We must go through many sufferings to enter the Kingdom of God.” The apostles appointed elders for each community. With prayers and fasting, they entrusted them to the Lord, in whom they had believed. Then, crossing Pisidia, they arrived in Pamphylia. They announced the word in Perge, and then went down to Atália. From there they embarked for Antioch, where they had left, surrendered to the grace of God, for the work they had accomplished. Arriving there, they gathered the community. They told him all that God had done through them and how he had opened the door of faith to the pagans. And then they spent some time with the disciples.
– Word of the Lord.
– Thank God.
Gospel (John 14,27-31a)
— Proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John.
— Glory to you, Lord.
At that time, Jesus said to his disciples: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you; but I do not give it as the world does. Do not let your heart be troubled or intimidated. You heard that I said to you, ‘I am going, but I will come to you.’ If you loved me, you would be happy because I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. I have told you this now, before it happens, so that when it happens, you will no longer believe. with you, for the head of this world comes. He has no power over me, but so that the world may recognize that I love the Father, I do as the Father commanded me.”
— Word of Salvation.
— Glory to you, Lord.
Reflecting the Word of God
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
May the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all on this blessed day. It is with great joy that we gather today to reflect on the sacred scriptures and seek divine guidance for our lives. Let me begin our homily with a captivating hook that connects us directly to our daily experiences.
Imagine yourself walking through a busy city, surrounded by hurried and distracted people. You watch the tired and worried expressions on their faces. For a moment, you feel out of place, wondering, “What’s missing from this scene? What are these people looking for?”
Dear ones, the answer is in the words of the gospel proclaimed today. Jesus tells us: “Whoever welcomes my commandments and observes them, he loves me. And whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and will manifest myself to him.” (John 14, 21). What a powerful message! Amid the chaos and worries of everyday life, Jesus calls us to love Him and keep His commandments. But how can we do this? How can we experience the manifestation of God’s love in our lives?
Let us remember the story of the apostles Paul and Barnabas, narrated in the Acts of the Apostles. They were in Lystra, preaching the Gospel with great fervor, when a man lame from birth was healed through Paul. The people, amazed, began to worship Paul and Barnabas as if they were gods. But the apostles, filled with the Holy Spirit, interrupted this worship, saying: “Men, why do you do this? We also are men like you, and we announce to you that you must abandon these vain things in order to turn to the living God” (Acts 14, 15).
This passage teaches us a valuable lesson. Like Paul and Barnabas, we are called to direct worship and devotion to the living God. We often find ourselves seeking satisfaction and meaning in the vain things of this world: riches, power, success, temporary pleasures. However, these things cannot fill the void in our hearts. Only God can do it.
Dear ones, we need to abandon these false illusions and convert our hearts to the living God. When we welcome Jesus’ commandments into our lives, we are making space for God to act in us and through us. Loving God and keeping his commandments is not an easy task, but it is the key to experiencing the fullness of divine love.
Imagine a healthy, leafy tree. Its roots are deeply embedded in the fertile soil, absorbing the nutrients necessary for its growth. Likewise, when we love God and keep his commandments, our lives are like this tree, supported by divine grace. Just as the tree bears generous fruit, we will also bear fruit in our lives: fruits of love, compassion, forgiveness, humility and generosity.
But how can we welcome Jesus’ commandments into our daily lives? Allow me to share a story to illustrate this. There was a man who lived in a remote village. He was known for his kindness and wisdom. One day, a person from the village asked: “Master, how can I love God and keep his commandments in my life?”
The man smiled and replied, “My friend, the answer lies in your daily actions. When you come across someone in trouble, reach out and help. When you come across someone who is lonely, offer them company. When you see someone who is hurt, take care of them. your wounds. When faced with injustice, defend the oppressed. And when the temptation to act contrary to God’s love and commandments arises, choose to resist and do what is right.”
Dear brothers and sisters, this story reminds us that loving God and keeping his commandments is a call to act in love and service to others in our daily lives. This is where faith becomes tangible and applicable. It is through our concrete actions that God’s love is manifested in the world.
We cannot be content with being mere listeners of the Word, but we must be doers of it. Faith without works is dead, as the letter of James reminds us. Therefore, let us be people of action, putting Jesus’ teachings into practice in our lives.
Imagine a bright lamp in a dark room. It illuminates the environment around it, dispelling darkness. Likewise, when we love God and keep his commandments, we become light in the world. We illuminate the lives of those around us, bringing hope, joy and peace.
Dear ones, do not forget that we are called not only to love and keep God’s commandments in our personal lives, but also to proclaim his message to the world. Just as Paul and Barnabas were sent on a mission, we are also sent to share God’s love with those who do not yet know it.
Get involved in community activities, be witnesses of God’s love in your work environments, in your families and in your social circles. Be willing to share your faith and invite others to experience God’s transforming love.
Before concluding, I want to remind you that this journey of loving God and keeping His commandments is not easy. We will face challenges, temptations, and moments of weakness along the way. But do not despair, as we are not alone. God is with us every step of the way, strengthening us, guiding us and empowering us.
Therefore, let us pray for one another, seeking divine guidance and mutual support in our journey of faith. Let us cultivate a life of prayer and intimacy with God, so that we can be strengthened in our commitment to love Him and keep His commandments.
Dear brothers and sisters, the call to love God and keep his commandments is an invitation to a full and meaningful life. It is an invitation to experience divine grace, love and hope. May this message echo in our hearts and motivate us to live according to the teachings of the Scriptures.
May we be living witnesses of God’s love in our daily lives, illuminating the world with the light of the Gospel. May our actions speak louder than our words, so that everyone can see and experience God’s love through us.
May the Holy Spirit guide us and empower us on this journey of faith. May He give us courage, wisdom and discernment to love God and keep His commandments in all circumstances. May every step we take be an expression of our love and devotion to our living God.
So be it. Amen.
