Commentary on the Gospel of John 14:21-26 Monday, May 4, 2026 (5th Week of Easter, Year A)

The Holy Gospel according to John 14:21-26

At that time, Jesus said to his disciples: 21 "He who has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me; and he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him."

22 Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, "Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us, and not to the world?" 23 Jesus answered him, "If a man loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. 24 He who does not love me does not keep my words; and the word which you hear is not mine but the Father’s who sent me.

25 These things I have spoken to you, while I am still with you. 26 But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you."

Spiritual Reflection: In today’s Gospel (John 14:21-26), Jesus reveals that worship is more than songs or rituals—it is a lifestyle of alignment with His will. He defines love through the lens of action and faithfulness.

Reflection Highlights:

• Love as Obedience: Jesus says, "Whoever has my commandments and observes them is the one who loves me." Our obedience is the highest form of worship. It is how we tell God we trust Him more than we trust ourselves.

• The Divine Indwelling: There is a beautiful promise here: if we keep His word, the Father will love us, and They will come to make Their home within us. Imagine that—your soul becoming the residence of the Holy Trinity.

• The Holy Spirit, Our Guide: We don’t have to figure it all out on our own. The Holy Spirit is our Advocate, the one who teaches us "all things." When we feel lost, the Spirit brings us back to the words of Jesus.

Takeaway: Today, let’s focus on one specific commandment we’ve been struggling with. By observing it, we are not just being "good"; we are inviting the Creator to dwell deeper within us.