Being invited to keep the commandments in a spirit of love is uplifting rather than being mandated to do so out of fear.  Jesus encourages us by saying:  "I have told you this so that my joy might be in you and your joy might be complete."  What a gift to be reminded that Jesus is eager to love us.  Artforms such as film and paintings can help us enter into a story in a deep way.  As I read the words of Jesus in John’s gospel, I can easily recall the emotions portrayed by Jesus in the film I watched with my daughters.

As our season of Easter continues, I pray with these questions:  Where do I experience the invitation to feel the embrace of God’s love?  How can I live God’s commandments in a spirit of love and joy rather than through fear of retribution? When can I see the teachings of Jesus depicted in various forms of art?  What needs to happen to ensure that I continue to make spending time with those I love a priority in these busy days?
 

-by Mary Lee Brock