Daily Catholic Lectio
Mon, 19 May ‘25
Fifth Week of Easter – Monday
Acts 14:5–18; John 14:21–26
Observing the Commandments
In Jesus’ farewell discourse, some themes recur with intensity. At times, their meaning does not seem immediately clear. One such theme is the commandment of love. Jesus, who says, “I give you a new commandment” (John 13:34), continues to speak about this commandment repeatedly.
However, in today’s Gospel, He also says, “Whoever has my commandments and keeps them is the one who loves me.” Why does He suddenly use the plural, “commandments”? Also, having said, “Love one another as I have loved you,” He now shifts the direction of love, saying, “Whoever loves me will keep my word.”
Love, commandment, word, obedience, and observance – how are we to understand this progression?
Let us interpret “commandments” as “words.”
The Gospel reading outlines three key fruits of keeping Jesus’ words:
We express our love for God – Keeping His word is a concrete way to show love, not merely an emotion.
We make ourselves a dwelling place for God – Jesus says the Father and He will come and make their home with those who keep His word.
We receive the Holy Spirit as our teacher – The Advocate will teach and remind us of everything Jesus has spoken.
As we approach the Solemnity of the Ascension, today’s Gospel invites us to prepare ourselves interiorly for that spiritual elevation, by allowing Jesus’ words to take root in us.
In the First Reading (Acts 14:5–18), we see Paul and Barnabas in Lystra healing a man who had been lame from birth. The people, overwhelmed, cry out, “The gods have come down to us in human form!” and attempt to offer sacrifices to them.
But Paul corrects their misunderstanding: “Turn from these vain things to the living God.”
This incident reminds us that, when we pause to reflect sincerely, we realise that everything apart from turning to God is ultimately in vain.
A Word to Reflect On:
We live in a world that often separates “love” and “obedience.” Yet, Jesus connects the two profoundly. “If you love me, you will keep my word.” True love is not vague or sentimental – it is manifested in fidelity, in daily adherence to what Jesus has taught.
Keeping His word is not a burdensome legalism but a path to intimacy, indwelling, and transformation by the Holy Spirit. As we prepare for the feast of Jesus’ ascension, the question He poses to us is this: Are you ready to be My dwelling place?
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
Missionary of Mercy
Yesu Karunanidhi 
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