May 19, 2019: Fifth Sunday of Easter

Reading: John 13:31-33a, 34-35

When Judas had left them, Jesus said,
“Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him.
If God is glorified in him,
God will also glorify him in himself,
and God will glorify him at once.

My children, I will be with you only a little while longer.
I give you a new commandment: Love one another.
As I have loved you, so you also should love one another.
This is how all will know that you are my disciples,
if you have love for one another.”

Reflection:

The commandment to love seems so familiar to us, that we may miss the word “new” in today’s Gospel. Jesus is presenting a new commandment that verifies our discipleship with one another and solidifies our relationship as a disciple of Jesus.

Loving others as Jesus loved and taught while he was here on earth, requires a daily commitment to each person that crosses our path. Jesus’ sermon on the mount: To feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, visit the imprisoned … is just one example. Responding to our call of discipleship with the folks that rub shoulders with us in our daily lives is often a challenge. Offering our love and service and availability is what Jesus calls us to.

Action:

What does discipleship mean to you? Name one specific way you will live it out during this coming week.