On this Fifth Sunday of Easter, we are invited to reflect on the powerful words of Jesus in John 13:34: ‘A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you.’ This commandment is not new in its content—love has always been at the heart of God’s law—but it is new in its measure. Jesus does not simply ask us to love as we love ourselves but to love as He has loved us—a love that is sacrificial, self-giving, and unconditional.
Saint Augustine reminds us, ‘Love, and do what you will.’ For if we truly love as Christ loves, all our actions will flow from that divine source of love. And Saint Teresa of Avila encourages us, ‘The important thing is not to think much but to love much; and so do that which best stirs you to love.’
The first reading from Acts 14:21-27 tells of the disciples’ journey of strengthening and encouraging one another. In the same way, we are called to bear one another’s burdens and to love one another with the love that Christ has given us. It is this love that becomes the identifying mark of true discipleship, as Jesus says, ‘By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another’ (John 13:35).
As we continue to celebrate the joy of Easter, may we be renewed in the commandment to love as
Christ loves—patiently, compassionately, and without reserve.
