Reviewing the past few weeks, on Easter Sunday, we proclaimed that the Lord had indeed risen. On the second Sunday of Easter, the liturgical readings opened our eyes to the early history of the Christian church. We were reminded the following Sunday of our loyalty to Christ Jesus. Last week, we reflected on Jesus as the Good Shepherd, hearing His voice and following Him. Today, we are called in the next step towards our spiritual growth to reflect on our service of love in the Lord.
Today Jesus gives us a new commandment that will help us to overcome this world and march into the New Jerusalem. He says: “I give you a new commandment, love one another; you must love one another.” Through this Chris reminds us that the only way we can overcome the tribulations and persecutions of this world is by remaining united in love. Jesus’ love was the sacrificial love where he gave his life for us.
In times of trials and persecution, love is the greatest virtue that sustains every Christian community. The early Christian community understood this very well. They obey Christ’s command and were successful in their missions. So, their admires commented thus: “see how they love one another” (Tertullian, Apology:39.7,3 AD).
Any Christian community or family united in love will never lose its focus or faith in God. That is the love that Paul described in chapter 13 of his first letter to Corinthian Christian community. This love cares and does not exploit the other. It endures, forgives, empathizes, and sympathizes with the other. This love may be blind, but it remains very prudent, sensible, reasonable, and godly.
The love that Christ talks about here is an identification mark. He says: “by this love, everyone will know that you are my disciples.” In other words, it is what defines us as faithful disciples of Christ. Only those who love sincerely can enter the New Jerusalem that the risen Christ promised his people. This love marks the newness of life that Christ brings to all his people this Easter season.
Fr. Alex Osei
SSC-USA Spiritual Director