"I have told you this, that my own joy may be with you and your joy may be complete." (Jn 15:11) This sentence very clearly shows one of the main purposes of Jesus' teaching. He wants to share with each of us his own joy, that our joy may be complete. His words are the source of joy.

However, what is the essential message of Jesus' teaching? Today's Gospel provides a very good summary. Firstly, Jesus openly says that you are loved and the best thing you can do is to remain in his love. Secondly, he commands us to love one another as he has loved us. Moreover he adds that we are not servants anymore, but we are friends of God.

Most probably you have heard this message many times. Maybe you even meditated about God's love during a retreat in silence. But have you ever felt the joy of being loved by God, which fulfilled you completely? Meditation on God's words should lead you to a deeper experience, one which is able to transform your life entirely. Jesus does not only want you to know what he said, but also to have a deep personal experience of his joy, of his love to you, of his concern for you.