A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.
John 13:34-35
We are in a special season of the liturgical "church year." Jesus has risen from the dead, taken leave of the disciples, and ascended into heaven. In a sense, we are always in that season – waiting for the time that Christ will return. As we wait, it is only logical that we who claim to be Jesus’ disciples ask: “Now what?”
Jesus anticipated this and provided the answer in the Gospel of John. As Judas scurries away to betray him, Jesus knows that his time has come, and so he tells the disciples what to do after he is gone. And the answer is simple and profound: Love one another.
To drive the point home, he makes it a commandment, and he repeats it several more times. “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15); “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you…This I command you, to love one another” (John 15:12, 17).
When I came to All Saints and Bishop Salmon was the interim Rector, I heard his emphasis on relationships. I was a little puzzled by this. My focus in church was more vertical than horizontal, so to speak.
But these passages from John help me understand better what he was talking about. As we go through the vicissitudes of our life together – and Jesus foresaw that too (John 16:1-4) – it is crucial that we maintain our loving relationships with each other. After all, Jesus told us to.
God bless you!
Mark
