There are so many images that come to mind when I reflect upon this one sentence. I think of the stories that we read about people acting as heroes to save another's life, even at risk to their own. Whether it is Wesley Autrey or Christopher Knafelc who jumped onto tracks to save someone; or Arthur Bloom who uses music to help injured soldiers readjust and take back their lives; and there are so many thousands of examples of men, women, and children who go out of their way to save others at personal sacrifice. They have laid down their lives for loved ones and friends. It is profound to think about these people that we see in the news, and then to read today's Gospel reading.
Jesus laid down his life for us at great personal sacrifice because he loved us, because it was the right thing to do, because it was the Father's will. Jesus loves us. He asks us to follow his commands to love God and love each other, and in doing so, we are his friends and have all the love, mercy and compassion that go with that. If we can do nothing else in our day, let us at least smile at a stranger.
"This I command you: love one another."
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