HOMILY FOR MONDAY OF THE 5TH WEEK OF EASTER
THEME: Simple Gifts
BY: Deacon Bill Frere
HOMILY FOR MONDAY MAY 16 2022
Gospel – John 14:21-26
Dear Dad, I love going to school with you. It’s a blast! You are the best dad, best teacher and best friend in the world. I’m glad we had class together and got to see what everyone else was walking about – how wonderful you are. I Love You, Jaime
My daughter wrote that note to me back when she was a Sophomore in high school. And I have kept it safely in my wallet ever since. Needless to say, the notepaper is barely holding together but that makes no difference to me. No matter the condition of the paper, the relationship it speaks of continues today. It is a constant reminder of a love between father and daughter, a love that has endured and flourished over the years.
It is also a reminder that you don’t always need grand gestures or expensive presents to express your love for someone. Sometimes, many times, it’s the little things that matter – an unexpected letter, that pat of encouragement on the back, cooking dinner when you know your spouse had a rough day, or maybe just sitting outside and snuggling in quiet peace.
Jesus makes it quite clear in today’s Gospel! “Whoever has my commandments and observes them is the one who loves me. Whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and reveal myself to him.”
So my question is this: how do you show your love for Jesus? Is it all grand gestures? Is it something simple and really heartfelt? Is it just words? is it in a gentle touch or a comforting word? Is it how you treat others? Is it how you observe and follow His commandments? How do you let Jesus know that you love Him?
Deacon Bill Frere