6th Sunday of Easter, Year B

This Sunday’s gospel is an integral part of the discourse that began last Sunday with the “Branch and the Vines” passage. The closing words of the passage as to “abide,” to remain in Jesus. To what end? To bear much fruit and that fruit is seen in the actions of love. This Sunday’s gospel continues the discourse. Yet there is something very practical here: If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. Many suggest that this is the practical answer of how one remains in Christ and in his Word, bears fruit, and remains in the love of Jesus. These things are not some mystical experience. It is simple obedience. It is when we keep Christ’s commandments that we abide in his love. Once again appeal is made to Christ’s own example. He kept the Father’s commandments and thus abides continually in the Father’s love. And it is not a blind following of the commands, it is to “listen through” to the deeper love that resides within and throughout the commandments.

Take a moment and go consider this amazing reading from the comfort of your back porch.

Full Text of the Sunday Readings
Detailed Commentary – 6th Sunday of Easter Gospel

Image credit: Duccio di Buoninsegna – Appearance on the Mountain in Galilee | ca. 1310 | Museo dell’ Opera del Duomo, Siena | Public Domain