5th Sunday of Easter 

Acts 14:21-27
Psalm 144(145):8-13a
Apocalypse 21:1-5
John 13:31-33,​34-35

CHRIST’S LOVE IS UNCONDITIONAL CAN YOU DO THE SAME?

In today’s gospel, Jesus addresses His disciples at the Last Supper with a significant declaration: “My children, I will be with you only a little while longer. I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, you also should love one another. This is how all will know that you are my disciples if you have a love for one another.”

Each time I consider the phrase “new commandment,” I am reminded that, despite being articulated centuries ago, its message remains profoundly relevant. The notion is still considered novel as humanity continues to struggle with the unconditional acceptance and implementation of such directives, particularly as Jesus exemplifies unconditional love. There is a tendency to seek to impose restrictions, and qualifications, or find loopholes that render this principle more convenient for personal adherence.

What if individuals were to earnestly pursue a commitment to fully embody the commandment to love? It is conceivable that akin to Paul and Barnabas in the first reading from Acts (14:21-27), we might embrace the idea of divine love that transcends cultural and societal boundaries. Furthermore, we could aspire to emulate John from the second reading in Revelation (21:1-5a), who visualizes “a new heaven and a new earth.” By doing so, we could be receptive to the concept of “God’s dwelling” among the human race.

I apologize if my tone appears assertive; it seems that the imperative to internalize and execute the commandment of love is more crucial today than ever before.

May we be granted the wisdom to open our eyes, ears, hearts, and minds to embrace this “new commandment” to love one another as Jesus loves us, which should guide us not only toward acts of charity but also towards the pursuit of justice and peace? I hope that we may see the dissolution of the “old order” characterized by hatred, fear, and violence.

Fr Joseph Osho