Jesus wants a close and loving relationship with us, and he promises a full life of complete joy. He shows us that to find joy we must love one another. Jesus wants to be a model for our loving; we can look at how he loves and see how we ought to love others in return. Of course, sometimes this is difficult for us to do, even for us to love those in our own family. But the Gospel tells us that we did not choose Jesus; he chose us. In choosing us, he gives us the strength to love one another, even when it is difficult.
- Reflection by Mary Heinrich in “Celebrating Sunday for Catholic Families 2023-24” published by Liturgy Training Publications.