Công Giáo posted an update in the group
2 weeks ago
Dio CheyenneOn this Fifth Sunday of Easter, we reflect on the New Commandment that Jesus Christ gives to us immediately after Judas leaves the Passover meal, with betrayal on his mind. Jesus says, “… love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another” (John 13:34). He knows Judas’ intention; however, Jesus’ response is to announce the glorification that will be realized in his death and resurrection. In this pivotal moment, Jesus is preparing his disciples for the reality of what is about to happen, and he is laying down the new commandment – not a gentle reminder, not a piece of advice, not a recommendation – that his disciples should love one another, as he loves us. Christ’s love is so complete that he is more concerned about his disciples understanding and preparation than he is for his own life; Christ’s love is so complete that he forgives denial and betrayal and cruelty and ignorance. “As I have loved you, so you should love one another.” Period. Full stop.
Reflection: Loving those with whom we agree or those who are easy to love because they pose no problem to our daily lives is easy. Loving those who have harmed us or those who see the world through a lens different from ours is very difficult. In his last moments of earthly life, Jesus did not call for vengeance on those whose actions and words resulted in him being nailed to a cross. He said, “Forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). Think about those people in your life or even those whom you actually do not even know who inspire in you anger, hatred, and harsh judgment. Can you imagine what the world would look like if we followed Jesus Christ’s commandment to love one another as he loves us? Are you willing to give it a try?
