Remain in my Love

Hallmark makes a fortune every Valentine's day. Authors write words that reflect what might be the best way of expressing one's affections for each other. Many enjoy this convenience, but is it authenic? 

For years as I was raising my children I always encouraged them to not buy a card for me, but to instead write their feelings in their own words on any paper. It didn't matter if it was written in crayon or pencil---authentic words from the heart meant the most to me then and still do. 

I also love to write letters from the heart---sadly I am not nor ever will be one of Halmark's regular customers. I simply can't see the value of giving something to someone that isn't from my heart to theirs. That's why I simply love the book of John..Chapter 15 in particular.

It's the most beautiful Valentine's Day reflection--a love story of  how Jesus embraces each and every soul who choose to stay connected to the "true vine". No one needs to feel alone, lonely, unwanted or without connection when this is read. That connection brings hope and the ultimate opportunity to bear the greatest fruit---whatever you ask will be given to you is the promise of that choice. Now, that's not going to be found in a Hallmark card on Valentine's Day!

If every person read this one Chapter on Valentine's Day--no one would feel isolated or depressed about not having their own Valentine! The formula for this peace of heart is this:

 v.4 "Remain in me, as I remain in you. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me.. v.7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you. v.10 If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and remain in His love." v.11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete. v 12 This is my commandment: love one another as I have I loved you."

Scripture does have the power to transform. It is the word of God that brings life to the soul. On this one day so many people simply place so much focus on the gifts, the flowers, the cards and the signs of loving relationships, but how much of this attention to earthly things and man made creations miss the true essence of real connection. Connections that do not come from the vine, the only source of authentic love are not sustainable. If we want to really embrace the symbols of love --.focus less on the commercials and the hype of social media and more on scripture by "remaining in His love" by staying on the vine!

We remain connected by the grace of the sacraments, the power of a persistent and daily prayer with the divine creator and above all--loving with a heart that does not need validation. Validation comes from this: v16 "It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and apointed you to bear fruit that will remain. so that whatever you ask of the Father in my name He will give you. V.17 This I command you: love one another." 

He chose you. He appointed you. He loves you above all things. Let that be a comfort on this day. Three little words, "I love you" essentially translate into three more: "Remain in my love" On this Valentine's Day--embrace the gift of authentic love and feel joy in knowing it's real. Save your money on the card!