Love One Another as I have Loved You

“….By this everyone will know that you are my disciples,” is so familiar to us in John13:31-35 that we are inclined to wonder what else we can say about this passage that has not already been said. Yet, this simple phrase which sums up Jesus’ earthly ministry is at the very core of who we are as Christians. Jesus wants us to live the love in everything we do. Make it become the essence of who we are and how we are defined. It is a part of the human condition to love and want to be loved. Sure, it’s easy to love those with whom we agree or have a close relationship. Loving those who do not share our values or frankly dislike is a much harder proposition. 

The love that Jesus speaks of is hard because it requires that we put the welfare of others before our own, even when it “hurts.” We see this love in action when we are able to overlook the slight of a friend or able to set aside our goals to help someone achieve his or hers. Even small “gestures,” requiring the need to sublimate our ego to benefit another, not out of any sense of obligation or desire to incur favor or reward, counts. Sometimes that love requires putting aside a hurt or moving beyond disappointment caused by a friend or family member, even when it is difficult. 

Today, we are faced with the stark reality of the war in the Ukraine in which the Russians have committed horrible crimes against humanity. How do we make room in our hearts for those who cause so much pain? How can  we, in the context of these inhumane atrocities, find it in our hearts to love as Christ ask us? 

God has not promised to take away our trials, but to help us change our attitude toward them…this is what holiness really is. (Keating, The Human Condition)