Good morning, dear readers. I am excited to connect with all of you once again as we gather to reflect upon a powerful message from John's Gospel, chapter 13, verses 34 to 35. These verses remind us of a new commandment from Jesus, urging us to love one another just as He has loved us. In doing so, the world will know we are His disciples.
The Context of Love
In our Gospel reading today, we find ourselves in the intimate setting of the upper room, where Jesus shares His final meal with His disciples before His betrayal. It is a somber time, filled with anticipation and uncertainty about the future. In the midst of this gathering, Jesus performs the humble act of washing His disciples' feet. This gesture serves as a profound example of the selfless love He calls us to embody.
Navigating Life's Transitions
We've all faced moments of transition in life—times when we move from the familiar to the unknown. Whether it's the birth of a child, the loss of a loved one, marriage, or changes in our careers, these periods can be challenging. Yet, in these moments, we seek things that anchor us—our identity, values, and beliefs. Jesus provides us with this anchor through His commandment to love one another, offering us stability amidst life's uncertainties.
The Love of Jesus
The love Jesus speaks of is no ordinary love. It's not merely affection, but a profound, selfless act of serving others with empathy and humility. His love is unconditional and seeks the ultimate good for all of us. It's a transformative love, encouraging repentance and faith. This divine love, rooted in self-giving, distinguishes followers of Christ.
Challenges in Loving Like Christ
Despite the simplicity of this commandment, history shows us how difficult it is to truly love others as Christ loves us. We often become self-focused, distracted by our own lives, and lose sight of the needs of those around us. Our challenge is to look beyond our cultural, social, and economic lenses and embrace others with Christ-like love.
The Importance of Community
In the early days of Christianity, the apostles' love for one another was a beacon of light in the darkness. Their selfless acts drew others to them naturally, without the need for grand gestures. By living in genuine love and service, we too can attract others to the faith by our example.
Our Call to Love
As I reflect on Jesus' impending departure, I see the urgency in His message to His disciples—a message that is equally relevant to us today. We are called to embody the love of Jesus, caring for one another not out of obligation but because it is the essence of God's love. This kind of love is transformative for both us and the world around us.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
Friends, I encourage you to look at those in your life as gifts from God. Cherish these relationships and strive to love and serve each person, upholding their highest good. Remember, even our enemies are gifts, just as Jesus shared the table with Judas. May we pray for the wisdom, will, and strength to follow Jesus' example, glorifying our Savior through our selfless love.
Closing Prayer
Let us pray together: Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, whose son taught us that every service done for others' sake is done for Him. Give us the wisdom, the will, and the strength to be living examples of this truth that in serving one another, we may glorify Him who is our Savior and our Lord. Amen.