Kuwait City, 23-25 May 2014
Homily of the Apostolic Nuncio
His Grace Archbishop Petar Rajič
Acts 8:5-8.14-17; 1 Pt 3:15-18; Jn 14:15-21
Jesus touches the innermost parts of our hearts and what is truly important in our relationship with him by saying: If you love me, you will keep my commandments. This ‘if” may sound a little strange to us. It could be understood that the Lord is giving out an order, a pre-requisite, or perhaps he is doubting our love for him. However, the statement is not a command or an expression of doubt. Jesus simply wants to point out that if we really love him, then it will never be difficult for us to keep his commandments. Observing them will become something quite natural for us and a desire of the heart. Furthermore, if we are motivated by the love of Jesus, then we will never ever do anything to offend God, or our neighbour by betraying, exploiting, cheating, stealing, hurting or remaining indifferent to them. Indeed, all our efforts will be aimed at doing only what is truly right and good for others. Whoever has my commandments and observes them is the one who loves me. In other words, those who possess and hold Jesus’ commandments of love in their hearts like a great treasure and not a burden, are the ones who love him. And those who love him, share also in his Spirit.
I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to be with you always – the Spirit of truth. Jesus together with the Father, has sent us the Holy Spirit, so that through him we can be united with God in faith, hope and charity. God wants to be with us forever, not just when we pray to him or only when we participate in Holy Mass, but constantly. His desire is to be in us, with us and among us, through the power of the love of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit will be with those who love him. The Spirit will teach them the truth, help them to know and obey his commandments, and never leave them alone or helpless. When we discover the love that God has for us, then we will truly start living a new life, because we will understand that we are not alone and that we have the power of faith and love which unite us with the living God, who says: I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you. God comes constantly, every day, to those who desire him and seek his Spirit of truth with a sincere heart, to remain with them forever. On that day you will realize that I am in my Father and you are in me and I in you.
