Remain in My Love: Listening to the Shepherd and Living with Joy

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Remain in My Love: Listening to the Shepherd and Living with Joy

Readings 
First Reading - Acts of the Apostles 15:7-21
Responsorial Psalm- Psalm 96:1-3. 10
Alleluia - John 10:27 
Gospel Reading - John 15:9-11

The readings from Acts 15:7–21; Psalm 96; and John 15:9–11 reveal a beautiful invitation from God: to remain in His love, listen to His voice, and live with the joy that comes from belonging to Him.

In the Gospel of Gospel of John (15:9–11), Jesus speaks tenderly to His disciples:

“As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love.”

What an incredible truth. The same love that exists between the Father and the Son is the love Jesus offers to us. And He tells us how to remain in that love: by keeping His commandments.

Obedience, then, is not about fear or obligation—it is about relationship. When we live according to God’s will, we remain connected to His heart. Jesus says this leads to something extraordinary:

“I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.”

True joy is not found in temporary success or comfort. It is found in living close to Christ.

This connects beautifully with the words of Jesus in John 10:27:

“My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”

To remain in His love, we must first learn to recognize His voice—through prayer, Scripture, and a heart open to His guidance.

In Acts of the Apostles (15:7–21), the early Church faces an important decision about welcoming Gentile believers. There is debate and tension, but Saint Peter the Apostle reminds the community that God makes no distinction between people and that salvation comes through grace, not burdensome rules.

The apostles choose a path that preserves truth while also showing compassion and unity.

This moment teaches us that when we listen to God’s voice together, the Church grows in love, wisdom, and peace.

Psalm 96 echoes this spirit of joyful proclamation:

“Sing to the Lord a new song; proclaim His salvation day after day.”

A heart filled with God’s love cannot remain silent. Joy naturally overflows into praise and witness.

Reflection for Your Life

Are you truly remaining in Christ’s love, or drifting away through distractions and disobedience?

Do you recognize the voice of the Good Shepherd in your daily life?

Is your faith leading you to joy, or have you allowed worry and pressure to take over?

Faith in Action

Spend time each day listening for God’s voice in prayer and Scripture

Choose obedience in small daily decisions as an act of love for Christ

Share the joy of your faith with others through kindness and encouragement

You were not created to live far from God’s love.

Christ invites you to remain close to Him, follow His voice, and live with a joy the world cannot take away.

So today, stay rooted in His love, walk in His truth, and rejoice—

because the Good Shepherd knows you and leads you into fullness of joy.

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