Message in a Minute for May 19:
You may notice that the gospel passages at mass are beginning to make a transition. On Easter Sunday, and many Sundays after, we heard about resurrection appearances of Jesus. We listened as the early Church encountered the Risen Lord and went on mission to proclaim the Good News. Now, we are seeing a transition from the resurrection of Christ to the ascension. In today’s gospel, Jesus is preparing us for the time of his departure. What is his lasting advice? His departing message? Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another.
Jesus calls this a new commandment. But, astute readers of the Old Testament will remember that God has already commanded us to love. We can remember the greatest commandments, quoted by Christ himself: you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, your mind, your strength, and love your neighbor as yourself. So, in some ways, the command to love is ancient. And yet, Jesus calls it a new commandment. What is new about it?
The new part of this commandment is not the command to love. But, it’s the command to love one another as Christ loved us. This commandment is new because Jesus gives us a new example. When Jesus offered his life for us, when he was crucified, he showed us exactly what love looks like. Love looks like self-giving, self-sacrificing. Love gives and holds nothing back. This has always been what love is all about. But, Jesus’ command to love is a new commandment because he gives us a new example of how to love.
As we gather at Mass this week, let’s call to mind the love of Christ. He continues to pour himself out for us in the Holy Eucharist. He offers up his body and blood for our salvation. This is what love looks like. We hear his command today: love one another. We see what that love looks like in the Eucharist.
Subscribe to the “Message in a Minute” by going to:
Flocknote.com/cathedralofICFW
Or text “FWCATHEDRAL” to 84576
No comments:
Post a Comment