Fifth Sunday of Easter

Everyone, believers and nonbelievers alike, is familiar with the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” In other words, treat others in the way that you, yourself, would like to be treated. We can all agree that this is very reasonable and practical, and makes good sense. Even Jesus seems to endorse it! But as we hear in today’s Gospel (John 13:31-33a, 34-35), Jesus is never one for simply minimums or convenient half-measures. He always calls us to a higher standard or way of thinking – one that exceeds human expectations and aligns itself with the ways of God.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus gives us a new commandment - one that will take commitment, perseverance, and self-giving on our part, even at those times when it may not seem practical or even desirable. We are told that we must love as Jesus loved. Note that Jesus called this a commandment – not an option, but a mandate for every Christian. “As I have loved you, so you also should love one another.” Jesus is using himself as the standard by which we are to measure ourselves. Now that is quite a demand!

So how can we describe this Christ-like love? One key word that the ancient Greeks used was agape which is a self-less, unconditional, and self-giving love. We have only to look upon the cross to see that love poured out for each one of us in the outstretched arms of the crucified Christ. We see this level of love demonstrated by Jesus repeatedly throughout the Gospels as he brings forgiveness to sinners, heals the sick, preaches the word, and is faithful to his heavenly Father in all things.

Today, as we ponder his command to love one another as he has loved us, we might ask ourselves whether love is at the heart of our lives. And keeping in mind that we can do all things with God’s help, let us commit to love of God and love of neighbor. Let us commit to serving one another lovingly, speaking gently, and forgiving abundantly. For a Christ-like love is the hallmark of the true Christian.