Easter Reflections: "Keep My Word."

We are already in the Sixth Sunday of Easter and next Sunday we will celebrate the Ascension of the Lord into heaven. I think the Gospel for this Sunday is a very good preparation for us as we approach Ascension Sunday. In the Gospel, Jesus tells His disciples that "If you love me, you will keep my commandments." (Jn 14:15).

If we love someone, we stand by the word of that someone. I remember when I was a kid, my father left me at the entrance of the store and told me to wait for him... he will come back. Even if I no longer see my father, I clung to his word that he will be back and he will take me.

Dear friends, the Lord is asking us something which I think is not really a commandment; it's not something that he demands. His commandment to keep His Word is actually an act of love, "paglalambing." Let us pray then that we truly keep the Lord's Word no matter what. Amen.

Easter Reflections: The Shepherd of My Soul

The Fourth Sunday of Easter is traditionally called the "Good Shepherd" Sunday. In today's Liturgy, we hear of Jesus declaring that He is the Sheep Gate in which anyone who enters will be saved. Indeed, Jesus is the Shepherd of our souls.

Perhaps we can deepen our reflection by thinking what it really means to be "sheep" of the "Shepherd." Many times in our lives we are guided and protected by Jesus' abiding love and presence. Many times we feel inspired and consoled by the relationship we have established and nurtured with Him. True enough, He has always been our Good Shepherd. But have we really allowed ourselves to be His "sheep?" Better yet, do we consider ourselves a part of Jesus' fold?

As we enter more fully into the Easter season, may we ask the grace from Jesus that we allow ourselves to be truly His "sheep" -- the fold He guides and loves. May we not only call Him our Good Shepherd but more deeply, allow ourselves to be guided by this Shepherd. Amen.