6th Sunday of Easter, B

Love one another 

John 15:9-17 

Peter had not yet finished speaking when the Holy Spirit dwelt on gentile Cornelius and his household.

The Lord is also preparing us to receive the Holy Spirit after he ascends to heaven next week.

How do we prepare for the coming of the Holy Spirit?

Jesus gave the greatest command, "Love one another as I have loved you."

The basis of all love is His love and how He loves.  When God loves, he loves unreservedly.

Jesus gives the image of a friend as basis for that sublime love.  "There is no love greater than this, to lay down one's life for ones friends.  You are my friends if you do what I command you to do."  A friend is capable of offering his every own life for his friend.

Thirdly, Jesus sends us so we may bear much fruit.  What is the fruit of our love?  What mission have we done for Christ?

These will prepare us to receive the Holy Spirit - love, friendship, mission.

When was the last time we felt this love in our hearts?