Nourished by the Word of God β Scripture for Today
When Peter entered, Cornelius met him and, falling at his feet, paid him homage. Peter, however, raised him up, saying, "Get up. I myself am also a human being."
Then Peter proceeded to speak and said, "In truth, I see that God shows no partiality. Rather, in every nation whoever fears him and acts uprightly is acceptable to him."
While Peter was still speaking these things, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who were listening to the word. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit should have been poured out on the Gentiles also, for they could hear them speaking in tongues and glorifying God.
Then Peter responded, "Can anyone withhold the water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit even as we have?" He ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they invited him to stay for a few days.
Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done wondrous deeds; his right hand has won victory for him, his holy arm.
The Lord has made his salvation known: in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice. He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness toward the house of Israel.
All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation by our God. Sing joyfully to the Lord, all you lands; break into song; sing praise.
Beloved, let us love one another, because love is of God; everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God. Whoever is without love does not know God, for God is love.
In this way the love of God was revealed to us: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might have life through him. In this is love: not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as expiation for our sins.
Jesus said to his disciples: "As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love. 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."
"I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy might be complete. This is my commandment: love one another as I love you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends."
"You are my friends if you do what I command you. I no longer call you slaves, because a slave does not know what his master is doing. I have called you friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father."
"It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you. This I command you: love one another."
Today's Gospel invites us into the very intimacy of the divine love β a love that originates in the Father, flows through the Son, and is offered freely to each of us. To "remain" in Christ's love is not merely a passive act; it is a daily decision to abide, to stay, to dwell in the presence of the One who first loved us.
Jesus does not call us servants but friends β a profound elevation of relationship. A friend is trusted with the master's plans, included in the master's joy. This is what God offers us: friendship, intimacy, and the fullness of joy.
As we go through this day, let us ask ourselves: In what practical way can I love someone as Christ loves me? In what corner of my heart am I withholding love? Let your answer be your prayer today.
Lord Jesus, help me to remain in Your love today. Let me be an instrument of Your love to everyone I encounter. Give me a heart that reflects Your friendship and Your joy. Amen.
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