"I give you
a new commandment:
love one another.
As I have loved you,
so you also should
love one another.
This is how all will know
that you are my disciples,
if you have love
for one another.”
(John 13:34-35)
The night is set, the hour draws near,
A voice speaks soft, yet strong and clear.
"The time has come, My path is laid,
Through pain and love, My glory made."
Departing soon, He bids them know,
A love so vast, it dares to grow.
Not bound by flesh, nor fleeting light,
But endless grace, a flame so bright.
"A new command," the Teacher speaks,
Not wealth nor pride, what hearts should seek.
But love unshaken, pure and free,
A bond that marks true loyalty.
By love alone, the world shall see,
The ones who walk and follow Me.
Not in their words, nor grand display,
But love that shines through night and day.
Lord Jesus,
You spoke of glory in the midst of your sacrifice, teaching us that love is the highest call. Help us to embrace this divine truth— to love as You have loved, with hearts that serve, and souls that shine with Your grace.
You prepared Your disciples for change, guiding them with hope and faith. Prepare us, Lord, for the paths ahead, that in every trial, Your love remains our anchor and guide. Make us a reflection of Your mercy, a people bound by love, so that the world may know You, not by words alone, but by the way we love one another.
May Your presence dwell within us, and Your command shape our hearts, today and always.
Amen.
Pericope:
III: The Book of Glory
THE NEW COMMANDMENT
John 13:31-35
Gospel Acclamation
I give you a new commandment, says the Lord: love one another as I have loved you.
Gospel | John 13:31-33, 34-35
31 When Judas had left them, Jesus said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him. 32 If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and he will glorify him at once. 33 My children, I will be with you only a little while longer. 34 I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another. 35 This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
John 13:31-35 takes place during Jesus' Last Supper with his disciples, just after Judas leaves to betray him. This moment marks the beginning of Jesus' farewell discourse, where he prepares his followers for his departure.
Historical Context
Passover Setting: The supper occurs before the Jewish Passover, a festival commemorating Israel's liberation from Egypt. In John's Gospel, Jesus is portrayed as the ultimate Passover lamb, sacrificed for humanity.
Judas' Departure: Judas' exit signifies the unfolding of Jesus' path to crucifixion. Instead of condemning Judas, Jesus focuses on his mission and the glorification of God.
Glorification Through Sacrifice: Jesus speaks of being glorified, which in John's Gospel refers to his crucifixion and resurrection. His death is not a defeat but a fulfillment of God's plan.
Background
The New Commandment: Jesus instructs his disciples to love one another as he has loved them. This love is sacrificial, selfless, and unconditional.
Community Identity: He emphasizes that their love for one another will be the defining mark of his followers. Unlike other religious groups that may be identified by rituals or doctrines, Jesus' disciples are recognized by their love.
This passage highlights Jesus' deep concern for his disciples, urging them to remain united in love even after his departure. It sets the foundation for Christian teachings on love and community.
Learning Lessons:
John 13:31-35 offers profound lessons on love, sacrifice, and discipleship. Here are some key takeaways:
Love as the Defining Mark of Discipleship: Jesus commands his followers to love one another as he has loved them. This love is not just emotional but sacrificial and unconditional. It challenges believers to reflect Christ’s love in their daily interactions.
Glorification Through Service: Jesus speaks of his glorification, which is tied to his impending crucifixion. His suffering and death are not signs of defeat but expressions of divine love and victory. This teaches that true greatness comes through humility and service.
The Call to Community: Jesus emphasizes that love among his disciples will be their distinguishing feature. This lesson encourages believers to build strong, supportive communities where love is the foundation.
Preparing for Change: Jesus tells his disciples that he will soon leave them. This moment teaches the importance of spiritual maturity—learning to carry on faith and mission even in times of transition and uncertainty.
Reflection Source:
Conversation with Copilot
