Sermon – “Remain in my love” – John 15:9-11 – May 7, 2026

In today's Gospel, Jesus speaks to us about remaining in his love: "Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love."

Today, the world talks a lot about love. We hear about love everywhere: in songs, films, social media. But often, love is presented as just an emotion, a fleeting feeling. It's said that if I feel something, I love someone; if I no longer feel anything, then love is over.

But Jesus teaches us a much deeper truth. True love is not just a feeling. Love is a decision, a commitment, a fulfillment of God's will.

Therefore, Jesus combines love with commandments: “If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love.”

Jesus shows us that love is not just about saying nice words or feeling strong emotions. Love is obedience to God, even when it's difficult. Love is forgiveness when things get tough. Love is service when we are tired. Love is remaining faithful to the very end.

In tomorrow's Gospel, Jesus will remind us of the greatest commandment: to love God and our neighbor as ourselves. These two loves go hand in hand. We cannot say we love God if we do not concretely love our brother or sister next door.

The visible love we can experience on Earth is manifested through actions. Love becomes tangible when we do something for another person: when we help, listen, correct with love, care, give our time, and pray for someone.

We can't tell if we love someone by looking at whether we feel anything for them. If we can wish them well and want them to be happy, that means we love them.

The greatest good we can wish for all is Eternal Salvation.

And when I wish well for someone, if I can do something tangible to meet their needs, then I can accomplish what I wish for them.

Jesus loved us in this way. His love wasn't just in words or feelings. He gave his life for us on the cross.

Today, let us ask for the grace to remain in the love of Christ; not with fleeting emotions, but with a life filled with obedience, faithfulness, and tangible love.

Thus our joy will be complete, just as Jesus promised in the Gospel.

May the Virgin Mary, just as she always did in her own life, teach us to love by always fulfilling God's will.