These Easter week Gospel readings have been in response to Phillip’s address to Jesus, “Show us the Father.” We all want see God. Good for Phillip to be honest about his wonderment. Jesus uses the situation to tell His disciples that when they see Him they see the Father. “The Father and I are one.” You haven’t gotten that yet, Phillip?  Today, Jesus talks about how His disciples show their love for Him. He says, “Whoever has my commandments and observes them is the one who loves me.”  Easier said than done, so Jesus promises some help in the Spirit.

   From the “no” of those terrific twos, we like to assert our own will. It’s hard to submit our wills to the good of others, let alone to all as Jesus wants us to do. Life can’t be about always getting what we want. This principle seems so simple, but often seems impossible. We’ll see God as we do what God wants us to do. God’s commandments help us. They’re not bad. They are a way to express our love for God. But, they must always be in the context of love.

   Jesus showed His disciples love by revealing Himself to them. This table talk conversation Jesus is having with them is preparing them for His departure. Thus, He speaks of the unity of the Father with Him, and Their unity with the Spirit. The Father shows love not only by sending His Son, but by sending His Spirit to be with them and us, always.

   Our love is to be revealed in action. The disciples of Jesus love Him by keeping His commandments. The forces of evil neither see nor know the Spirit, or Truth, or Jesus’ way. We, present day disciples, are caught between evil in the world and the Risen Lord. Through mutual love we recognize the Risen Lord in our midst. In obeying the commands of Jesus, the ten commandments are the minimal. We show our love through the discipline of growth in virtue (being persons of integrity, selfless, patient, humble, hopeful. We’re always challenged to be better persons, better disciples of the Lord. We show our love through hospitality to all peoples. Immigration policies can challenge us. We show our love through being the good stewards in sharing of our many blessings with others through giving of our time and gifts. We show our love by being generous. There are no limits on that.

   How have you shown Jesus that you are following His commandments?

   How have you shown Jesus that you love your fellow man, neighbor?

   When we love someone, we’ll do what they want. As we love the Risen Lord may His Spirit help us love Him better and better.