Jesus has explained that he will be glorified in his passion, death and resurrection, and now gives the disciples, and us, the route to take to follow him. His instruction, his new commandment, is simple to write and so very difficult to live, “love one another”.
It is amplified by the next statement, “just as I have loved you, you
must love one another.” We have seen the depth of Jesus’ love and are now asked to aim for this in loving each other. In fact, this love must be visible to “everyone” so that they may “know that you are my disciples”. Our love is not something we only say, but needs to be recognisable in our behaviour. Our behaviour depends on our thoughts, feelings, attitudes, and preconceptions. Where am I being drawn to make changes?
Loving “one
another” excludes no one, yes, no one, not those who differ in any way—colour, age, gender, education, nationality, wealth, political or religious affiliation. Our hearts need transformation from being closed and self-seeking to being other-oriented. It is all about letting go of our focus on our egos, our groups, or our species. We surrender to God and allow God to live in our hearts. Will I look at others with God’s eyes, seeing what God sees, beauty, potential, and God’s self within each of
us? How that would change the world!
Jesus’ call is to love God and our neighbour—all of God’s children, creatures, and creation—and to love ourselves, created in God’s image, from love, to love and for love. We live in this time of grace, resurrection time, resurrection people.
How will I live love today?
What are my fears, anger, sadness, and experiences which
impact my ability to offer love to others?
Will I come with a ‘fresh heart’—a heart where God is visible in my actions as a resurrection person today?
Reflections by Kath Knowles
