Saint Rita Catholic Church and School in Webster, NY - An Introduction to the Sunday Scripture Readings

“I Give You A New Commandment: Love One Another”

In our readings for this Sunday, Paul’s first missionary journey comes to an end with great success. Elders are appointed in each of the new churches. In the book of Revelation, John assures us again—”God’s dwelling is with the human race and He will wipe away every tear”. In our Gospel reading, Jesus issues a new commandment -to love one another as He has loved us—an old commandment with a new twist. In doing so, He underscores His unity with the Father (only God can issue a commandment).

Our first reading (Acts of the Apostles 14:21-27) is evidence that the apostles took Jesus' new commandment of love to heart. Today, we hear about the end of Paul’s fist missionary journey to the Gentile world. Paul and Barnabas went from city to city, over great distances and enduring great hardships and persecutions, bolstering and sustaining their fledgling new communities of love. They appointed elders (priests and bishops) in each church. They were living examples of Jesus' selfless love.

In our second reading (Revelation 21:1-5), John describes his vision of the end times with a “new heaven and a new earth” and the old heaven and earth would pass away. At this time, all of our suffering, tears, and trials will be wiped away. This is the time when the New Jerusalem will be like a “bride adorned for her husband . . . God Himself will always be with them as their God.”

In our Gospel reading (John 13:31-35), we listen in near the end of the Last Supper. This is the beginning of Jesus’ farewell address to His disciples. Jesus knew what the others did not; His betrayal and impending death was to be His glorification. His teaching to His apostles at this moment was to give them a new commandment - a new way of living the mission. They had heard “love one another” before, but the new twist—”As I have loved you” was added. That’s not an easy commandment to live, and yet they did—many of them to their deaths.

Today's Gospel passage is a wonderful opportunity to practice meditating on God’s word. So consider this challenge: read today's gospel passage multiple times, each time meditating more deeply on its meaning in your life. What does it mean to love one another as Jesus has loved you?

bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/051825.cfm