5TH SUNDAY OF EASTER (YEAR C)

1st Reading        Acts 14:21–27

Resp. Psalm       Ps. 145

2nd Reading      Rev. 21:1–5a

Gospel                 Jn. 13:31–33a, 34–35

"LOVE LIKE JESUS"

As we enter into the 5th Week of Easter we also draw closer to Ascension Day. This is brought to better perspective when Christ spoke about his soon departure (Jn. 13:33). In view of this, Jesus tells his disciples about what he demands of them. What he demands of them is summed up under the subject of LOVE (àgapē, love of persons and things).

One interesting thing to note is that the command of Jesus is a familiar law to his contemporaries. The disciples he is addressing are already aware of the law of love. In Lev. 19:18, it is evident that "you shall love your neighbour as yourself". This is not a new thing to the Jew. Infact, they are required to Love God (Deut. 6:5). What then is new about Jesus' command? What qualifies it to be a new commandment (entolēn kainós)?

The introduction of "As I have loved you" has given a new dimension to the already known law. Jesus takes what is already known and adds something that is new. Love must be a distinguishing mark of Jesus' disciple. To be a follower of Jesus is to Love. It is not an expression of how you love yourself, but how Jesus loved. How did Jesus love? 

Jesus loved his enemies and taught love for one's enemies (Matt. 5:43-48). In the light of Jesus' death, we understand that 'as I have loved you' implies a love that is seen in willing to lay down one's life for another (Jn. 15:13). To lay down your life is a character of a Good Shepherd. Love is Greater in view of our shepherding role in the lives of others. 

May God help us to love as Christ loved us, to lay down our lives for our friends, our neighbours, and to Shepherd them as Christ did.

Amen.

Pax et Bonum