May 02, 2010 5th Sunday of Easter Acts 14:21-27; Rev. 21:1-5; Jn. 13:31-33, 34-35 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________   Readings:  http://www.usccb.org/nab/050210.shtml        ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________     "A new commandment I give to you; love one another. As I have loved you, you are to love one another." He made it quite specific by saying that they were to love one another as He has loved them. In other words, the unique way that Jesus had incarnated that ancient ideal was to become the pattern of how the disciples, and that includes us, were to love one another.   Jesus calls on his disciples to love one another, and he interprets this love within the frame of his going and coming - his death, resurrection, ascension and return.   A disciple's love is shaped by Christ's love of his brothers, a love which gives all for the life of the brother. Love is in the fullest sense, Christ-like compassion. Yet, there is more, Christ's love may be the measure of our love, but it is also the ground of our love, the means of love. Because of Christ's love for us (his death and resurrection and indwelling presence within) we are freed and impelled to love. Christ's indwelling presence within the individual believer and within the Christian community, impels us toward brotherly love - self-giving, sacrificial love. As Jesus was, so his disciples are, and this in the power of his indwelling love. Such is the distinguishing mark of a disciple.   Jesus tells us that the distinguishing mark of the Christian community is love. Not just warm feelings toward others in the church, but a compassionate self-giving toward the needs of our brothers and sisters in the Lord. Such is cross-bearing love. In truth, it is very difficult to work up loving relationships with brothers and sisters. Sometimes there are hurts to get over, racial, cultural and economic differences, problems of social status... So it is not always easy to find the emotional energy required to put ourselves out for the spiritual welfare of a brother or sister.   The love that Jesus articulates is deep and faithful. It begins with God. It is deepened by relationship and community - with God and with each other. This kind of love - committed and powerful - can lead to selfless friendship and joy over a lifetime of discipleship.     <<   Previous: 4th Sunday of Easter  | Next: 6th Sunday of Easter >>   Go Back to SERMONS (Year C)