John 15:12-17 Love one another as I have loved you

"There is no greater love than this, to lay down one's life for a friend." 

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."

John 13:13-33A, 34-35 Love One Another

This is our last week of the Easter season.  We are reminded again what the season is about, just like our Creed professes:  The triumphal resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ after his crucifixion, death and descent into hell, whereupon he rose again from the dead and ascended into heaven. 

Jesus is glorified in all this.  Before he departs upon his journey to the cross (where the story is taken just as Judas departs to fetch the soldiers), he reiterates his new command:  Love one another.

This is not easy.  It involves genuine forgiveness and unconditional love.  It is attainable through practice and sacrifice.  To be his disciples, we are called to do this, to love one another as he has loved us.

Matthew 9:14-15

for today's reading (http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/021216.cfm)

Today Jesus is asked why he and his disciples do not fast.  He answers, "Can the wedding guests mourn when the bridegroom is with them?" 

The contrast is striking: Mourning and joyful.  He reminds us that he is the groom.  We are his love.  How can we be sad?  This Lent are we mindful of his immense love?  What sacrifice can we give him that will bring us closer to him?  Is it a sacrifice of prayer?  A few brief moments before the tabernacles between work and lunch?  How do we make him our first priority?  The answer is different for everyone.  Let the Spirit lead you.