JOHN 15:9–17 CHOSEN TO LOVE AND BEAR FRUIT

Year A, Thursday of the Sixth Week of Easter

On the Feast of St. Matthias, we hear Jesus speak about love, friendship, and being chosen. “It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you.”

Those words are important because many people quietly struggle with feelings of not being enough—not important enough, not talented enough, not holy enough. We compare ourselves with others and wonder if we really matter.

But today Jesus reminds us: before we ever searched for Him, He already chose us. Not because we are perfect, but because He loves us.

St. Matthias himself is a beautiful example. He was not one of the famous apostles we hear about often. He quietly remained faithful, and when the moment came, God called him forward.

That is how God often works in ordinary life too. Faithfulness in small things matters. Loving patiently, forgiving, helping quietly, staying faithful in difficult moments—these are the fruits Jesus speaks about.

And He reminds us again and again: “Love one another.” Because in the end, love is the clearest sign that we truly belong to Him.

Question to ponder today: Do I believe that God has truly chosen me—not because I am perfect, but because He loves me and wants me to bear fruit in ordinary life?

With Love and Prayers

Your Co-Traveler