⇐Year B - Sixth Sunday of Easter⇒


Jesus in Benares
Frank Wesley, late 20th century

My dear friends,

John 15:9-17 relates the final commandments of Jesus to his disciples on the eve of his betrayal, suffering and death. On this sixth Sunday of the Easter season, let us reflect again on the profound connections between these teachings and the "Four Immeasurables" (brahmaviharas or "divine abodes") of Buddhism: loving-kindness (metta), compassion (karuna), empathetic joy (mudita), and equanimity (upekkha).

In the first of these teachings, the essence of loving-kindness (metta) is depicted. Jesus implores us to remain in a state of divine love, which mirrors the boundless warmth extended towards all beings in Buddhism. This loving-kindness is unconditional, urging us to love as Jesus has, sustained by the observance of his teachings.

"As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love.
If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love,
just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love."
- John 15:9-10
"I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete."
- John 15:11

This verse speaks to empathetic joy (mudita), where Jesus desires for his followers to share in the complete joy found in divine love. It invites us to rejoice in the happiness of others, a core aspect of mudita, enriching our own spiritual journey.

"This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you."
- John 15:12

In this commandment, the principle of compassion (karuna) is illuminated. It calls for a love that not only desires the welfare of others but actively seeks to alleviate suffering through selfless action, as exemplified by Jesus’ own life.

"No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends.
You are my friends if you do what I command you."
- John 15:13-14

Here, the greatest act of compassion (karuna) is depicted -- sacrificial love. This verse embodies the ultimate selflessness, encouraging us to put the well-being of others before our own, echoing the Bodhisattva ideal in Mahayana Buddhism.

"I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing;
but I have called you friends,
because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father."
- John 15:15

Equanimity (upekkha) is reflected in this transition from servants to friends, symbolizing a spiritual equality and balanced relationship with the divine. It emphasizes an open sharing of knowledge and a mutual respect regardless of one's role or status.

"You did not choose me but I chose you.
And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last,
so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name."
- John 15:16

This verse underlines the purpose and mission given to us, echoing the mindfulness and intentionality at the heart of all spiritual practices. It reinforces our call to action in the world, inspired by divine will and sustained by faith and spiritual dedication.

"I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another."
- John 15:17

This closing verse reinforces the commandment to love one another, a recurring theme that ties all aspects of the Four Immeasurables together. It is an appeal to practice universal love, which fosters harmony and peace in the community.

In reflecting on these scriptures through the lens of the Four Immeasurables, we find a deep and enriching alignment between the teachings of Jesus and the core values of Buddhist philosophy. Both paths urge us towards a life of love, joy, and compassionate service to all beings, guided by a profound spiritual wisdom that transcends religious boundaries.