Working with the Word

Focusing the Gospel

Key words and phrases: If, Whoever, Father will love, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send

To the point: “If you love me.” “Whoever loves me.” (emphases added) Our love is always a free choice and, as human beings, we are never quite sure of our choices. God’s love, on the other hand, is sure and steady. God continually sends the Spirit to dwell within us. This indwelling Spirit empowers us to love with God’s steadfastness. Transformed by the Spirit, our love moves from “if” to “I can, I choose, I will.”

Connecting the Gospel …

... to the first reading: Saint Paul enumerates the effects of the Spirit’s dwelling within us: we belong to Christ, are made righteous, are given new life, become adopted children and heirs of God. Here is God’s gift of Love to us: an unprecedented relationship made possible by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

... to experience: It is so much easier to act with love when we know we are loved. We can act with love in all times and places, all situations and circumstances, because we know we are filled with the Spirit who is God’s love.

**From Saint Louis University