SAINT ATHANASIUS, BISHOP AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH (MEMORIAL)

Remain in my love. 

Have you ever heard of Swedish death cleaning? It’s a practice among elderly Scandinavians who intentionally let go of many of their possessions. The primary goal is to ensure that they leave behind as few items as possible for their children and grandchildren to sort through once they have passed away.

But those who follow this practice often find something far more meaningful happening in the process. Going through all their belongings sparks serious reflection on what is important in their lives. And once they have parted with so much, they are free to enter their final years with a clearer mind and a lighter heart.

When Jesus tells us, “Remain in my love,” we can receive it as an invitation to do a spiritual version of Swedish death cleaning. We can ask whether there are other loves—false loves—that are distracting us, burdening us, or preventing us from fully remaining in the love of Jesus.

What are some of these false loves? There’s the selfish “love” we feel from gaining more and more possessions. There’s the insecure “love” that comes from seeking the world’s approval. There’s also the vindictive “love” we feel when we see our enemies suffer—or when we hurt them ourselves. As we let go of these false loves, we are freer to remain rooted in the love that Jesus has for us. We also become freer to treat one another with the same kind of selfless, unencumbered love.

Where do you feel burdened? Can you identify any false loves that are weighing you down? Ask Jesus to help you let them go. Tell him you want only his love to remain—the most selfless, the most all-encompassing, and the most healing love you could ever experience. Tell him that this is the love you want to abide in every day.

Jesus promised that as we remain in his love, his joy will be in us and our joy will “be complete” (John 15:11). Like the people who practice Swedish death cleaning but on a much deeper level, our hearts will be lighter and our minds will be clearer.

“Jesus, your love is all I need! Help me to remain in that love.”

Acts 15:7-21
Psalm 96:1-3, 10
John 15:9-11