In 1970, the American movie Love Story popularized the saying, “Love means never having to say you’re sorry.” In the Broadway musical Fiddler on the Roof, Golde, Tevye’s long-suffering wife, convinced him of her love by pointing to all the ways she has served him over twenty-five years of marriage. And in Rome, a fragile and ailing pope served to the very end, giving every ounce of his life for the church. Love certainly does have many definitions!

In today’s gospel passage, Jesus told his disciples that love means obeying his commands (John 14:15). Jesus went on to explain that obeying his commands not only manifests our love for him; it also brings us to experience his Father’s love for us and opens us up to heavenly revelation (14:21).

Looking at these verses, we might follow a logical pattern like this:

1. Obedience is the way to love.
2. Love is the way to find God’s love and his revelation.
3. Therefore, obedience is the key to earning God’s love and his revelation.

This theory may sound effective, but we need to be careful. Our obedience does not generate an increase in God’s love. God already is perfect love. Even perfect obedience cannot make perfect love more perfect.

So how should we approach these words? Simply by saying that without obedience, we will drift away from the Lord and his love. Just as it was in the very beginning, so it is for each one of us: Sin separates us from God.

It’s by obedience that we remain open to Jesus and to his love, so it’s more accurate to say that obedience removes the barriers that separate us from the Lord—and keeps them from forming again. So just as love is defined by obedience, so obedience is an issue of love and not fear. May we never be afraid of God, but only long to remove every obstacle so that we can be immersed in his presence!

“Father, give me the grace to obey your commands. Help me each day to know your eternal love for me. Thank you, Father, for your boundless mercy!”

Questions for Reflection/Discussion by Catholic Men

1. In the first reading, we hear that the listeners “paid attention” when the word of God was proclaimed. How expectant or attentive are you when Scripture is read or when the homily is delivered at Mass? What steps can you take to be more attentive? Experiment with these steps and share the results at you next men’s meeting.
   
    
2. “Joy” appears in both the first reading and the responsorial psalm. How do these readings describe the basis for this joy? What is the basis for your joy as you live out each day?
   
    
3. Someone once described joy as the echo of God’s life in us. What steps can you take to make God’s life “echo” more deeply in you?
   
    
4. In the second reading, Peter encourages us to “always be ready” to share with others our faith. How ready are you? What are the obstacles that hold you back from sharing your faith with others? What would it take to get you ready?
   
    
5. What an incredible promise: “I will give you another Advocate to be with you always, the Spirit of truth” (John 14:16,17) - that is, the Holy Spirit, God himself dwelling and remaining within each one of us! How much do you reverence God’s very presence within you through the indwelling Spirit? What might you do to turn to the Lord and the Holy Spirit more frequently during the day?
   
    
6. God wants us to love him. St. Alphonsus Liguori says that the ability to love God is itself a gift from God; and a gift he wants to give us because it is the very reason for which we were created. Have you ever asked God to give you the ability and desire to love him more? Why don’t you take time at your men’s meeting to pray for fore one another that you would know and experience God’s love more deeply. Continue to pray for one another after your meeting and share the fruits of these prayers at your next men’s meeting.
   
    
7. In the meditation, we hear these words: “Jesus went on to explain that obeying his commands not only manifests our love for him; it also brings us to experience his Father’s love for us and opens us up to heavenly revelation (John 14:21).” What do you believe is the meaning of these words?
   
    
8. The meditation also goes on to say that without obedience we will drift away from the Lord. How have you seen that happen in your life? What practical steps can you take to prevent this from happening, or at least minimize it?