Jesus issues a new commandment: “Love one another.” Most commandments tell us precisely what to do, or not to do. “Love one another is not so explicit. It does not establish guidelines or set protocol. It calls us into a kind of relationship. It makes us responsible for one another.

In that sense, the love command calls us into community. We are commanded to do one thing only, to care for one another as Jesus cares for us. And if we do that one thing, it will be the only thing we need to do.

Question for Reflection

• Make a list of ten ways you can be obedient to the love command before sundown today. Hang onto the list and see how many of them you can put into practice.

Action Response

Get ready for the new Jerusalem! Live as a citizen of the holy city right now, even if that makes you seem like a Martian to your family and friends. Denounce prejudice. Repair division. Be generous in the face of poverty. Deny the impulse for greed. Be compassion and consolation to those around you.

Kids’ Corner

“This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13: 35)

Love one another! That’s what Jesus came to tell us. But it’s hard to love those who don’t like us or those who hurt us in some way. What should we do then? What would Jesus want us to do? We can find the answer every time we look at the crucifix. Right before Jesus died on the Cross, he said, “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do” (Luke 23: 34).

Forgiveness means that we don’t try to get even with those who hurt us. It doesn’t mean we can’t protect ourselves, but it does mean that we try to make peace whenever we can.

Lord, forgive my faults. Help me forgive others, too.

Save the Date: Catholic Schools’ Day

We celebrate Catholic Schools’ Day next Thursday, May 29, and welcome you to join us at 2:30 for a time of sharing about what our tamariki have created and shared during the day.