The readings for the 5th Sunday of Easter can be found at http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/051919.cfm
Our gospel from today can be very challenging. In this section of John's gospel, Judas just left to betray Jesus, and on Jesus' mind is his eventual crucifixion on the cross. Jesus is intent on glorifying God through his death and resurrection.
But he wanted to be sure to get across to His disciples one last time before His death of how they are to live out their lives as His followers: "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.” (John 13:34-35)
All throughout His time on earth, Jesus was always teaching about love and forgiveness. Yet we as Christians always seem to have a problem following that command of love and forgiveness that Jesus gave to us.
How many times do we turn away from people that appear different to us, or are in a lifestyle that we may not agree with? Do we love them as Jesus wants us to, or do we judge them and condemn them? As difficult as it may be, we are always called to love all people regardless of their lifestyles or appearance. We are called not to judge, but to love.
Or how many times do we have resentment or hatred for a former spouse that we have since divorced in not too pleasant terms? Or those relatives that can get "under our skin"? We are called to love them as well, as difficult as it may seem. We are called to not only to LOVE them, but to pray FOR them!
During this Easter season let us put into practice that love that Jesus is calling us to do!
Besides forgiving & refraining from judgmental condemnation, the other challenges of loving as JESUS loves are sacrifice & service. When I am taking care of my Mom I am often reminded of the Dan Schutte hymn AS I HAVE DONE FOR YOU that we sing on Holy Thursday: "This is My commandment: to love as I have loved you. Kneel to wash each other's feet as I have done for you."
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