Gospel of John, chapter 15:17

Christians love to talk about love a lot. Love is such a little word. It carries small and profound meanings all in one fell swoop: We love our parents, children, spouses, friends, country, girlfriend, boyfriend, job, vocation, and neighbor. We love God!

If love was only sentimental talk, we could get along with a book of sweet sayings. If love was easy, we wouldn’t have to make difficult decisions. We wouldn’t be called to live with eyes-wide-open to God’s surprises in our lives; we wouldn’t be asked to make sacrifices to show our love.

In chapter fifteen of St. John’s Gospel, the word “love” is translated from the Greek, AGAPE, which describes the mutual self-giving relationship between Jesus and His Father and between Jesus and His followers. The love that the Father bestowed on Christ has been spread all around and has reached us full circle in the Eucharist. But first, He had to suffer persecution, and lay down His life on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins.

The love that Christ teaches us does not come easy. If it was easy, we would not need the Holy Spirit, our advocate and helper. But, we need help to ground all our loving commitments in God’s first loving us by sending His only begotten Son for our redemption (John 4:10).

The love spoken of in today’s scripture speaks of commandment-keeping and self-giving. It is truly love in action which invites everybody in. Jesus is the example of this love in action that shows us how to treat one another.

That is why He says: “This is my commandment: Love one another as I have loved you.”

Fr. Hugh Duffy