Fifth Sunday of Easter: C: May 15, 2022

 JESUS' COMMANDMENT OF LOVE

First Reading: Acts 14: 21-27

Second Reading: Apocalypse 21: 1-5

Gospel Reading: John 12: 31-35

   *First reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. Various missionary journeys of Saints Paul and Barnabas are narrated. During their journeys, they retrace their steps, encouraging the small communities of Christians which they lovingly founded and nurtured. The new disciples were encouraged to persevere in faith in the Lord Jesus in order to face persecutions and sufferings in future.

   *Second reading is from the book of Apocalypse. The vision of St. John about the new creation and final union of all faithful with the Lord Jesus is described. The new and glorious world order that awaits us offers us peace and happiness in the company of the victorious Lord. 

Love one another even as I have loved you                                                                         Today's Gospel reading is from St. John. Jesus asks His disciples and all of us to love others as He loves us, that is to love unselfishly. To really love someone is to put the other person first. The parable of the good Samaritan graphically explains this message of Jesus. It is simple and at the same time frightening. How many of us could do it in reality? Often we are happy with a few kind words or gestures - a commitment or two - and we have a good conscience. True love like genuine friendship is more difficult and demanding. It calls for an effort and it can cause pain. It is not enough to say 'I love you' or to say 'I care for you' and do nothing about it. The deepest hurt comes when our love is not returned or ignored by the person we love. Then it is hard to go on loving such a person. Often we flatly refuse to love those whom we consider for some reason or other not worthy of our love. But as true followers of Jesus we are singled out and are identified by our love for one another. Jesus demands that kind of love from each one of us. 

"Hungry for love, He looks at you. Thirsty for kindness, He begs you. Naked for loyalty, He hopes in you. Homeless for shelter in your heart, He asks you. Will you be that one to Him?" - St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta.

"I asked Jesus, 'How much do you love me?' and Jesus said, 'This much.' Then He stretched out His arms and died." - Anon