Dear brothers and sisters, today we will delve into the depths of the Word of God, focusing our attention on one of the most important commandments left to us by Jesus Christ. John 13:34-35 states:
John 13:34-35"A new command I give you: Love one another; as I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
As we consider this commandment, we must remember that love is not just an emotion; it is a decision, an action that yields specific results in our lives and the lives of others. Jesus gives us an example of how we are to love—He loved to the point of sacrifice, to the very end.
We, as Christians, are called to carry this love into the world, and it is through our love for one another that the world will understand who we are. Many people seek the true meaning of life; they are caught up in loneliness and feelings of hopelessness. Our task is to be a light for them through the love we show in our relationships.
Let us take a closer look at the words of Jesus. He introduces a newness in His command—“A new command I give you.” This means that love is the foundation of everything we do. When we love, we reflect the character of Christ. When the disciples of Jesus were among themselves, He asked them if they loved one another. This question is relevant today: do we love our brothers and sisters in Christ?
Love is a power capable of changing hearts and relationships. It can heal wounds, restore broken bonds, and bring hope where darkness reigns. When we love, we follow in the footsteps of Christ, and this makes us living witnesses of the Gospel.
Let us also remember that love is not just a feeling but also actions. It is important to ask ourselves: how can we practically demonstrate love in our daily lives? Do we support one another in difficult times? Are we willing to help those in need?
If Christ, the Head of the Church, has loved us this way, we must love one another just as much—especially in difficult times when it is very hard. Let us unite as a community, practice this love, and create a place where peace and mutual respect reign.
In conclusion, remember that love is our testimony to the world that we are disciples of Christ. As it is written in 1 John 4:8:
1 John 4:8"Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love."
So let our love be a bright testimony, let it flourish in our hearts and the hearts of those around us. May everyone who comes into contact with us see the love that Jesus speaks of and turn their gaze toward Him. Amen!