February 13th, 2022

​Love One Another
The command to love one another isn’t always so easy. The truth is, some people are almost impossible to love. But, as today’s gospel clearly reveals, loving others isn’t an option, it is an obligation! Jesus said these words to his disciples and each of us, just before dying for our sins after Judas had betrayed him. He then turned to his disciples and said he would only be with them a little longer and then he told them how they should relate to one another. He said “A new command I give you: Love one another.” In this new commandment, Jesus wasn’t focused on the feeling of love, but on the decision to love. It’s a decision each of us is expected to make and model as his disciples daily. Friends, the Lord Jesus knew we wouldn’t always feel like loving one another, so he commanded us to do so.
This verse reveals love must be a decision, not just an emotion! But as we know; this command is not always easy to obey. That’s why it’s good to hear and be reminded of this “new command” often. This command first appeared way back in the Old Testament. But Jesus made it new, by providing us a perfect model of sacrificial love through his life and death. Through a growing intimate relationship with him, we too, discover the power to love sacrificially. Jesus went on to say, when we love as he has loved us, we will attract others to his perfect love. Friends, the best sermon you will ever hear on love, is the one you see lived out in the world! As Jesus tells us, “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another (John 13:35).” So, today reflect on this new command "And walk in love as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God (Eph. 5:2).” Remember, both the Lord and this love-starved world are always watching.
Love in Christ always,
Fr. Greg+

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