Mutual Love

Thought for Pew Slip - Easter 5 – Year C – 6th May 2007
Readings: Acts 11:1-18 Revelation 21:1-6 John 13:31-35

Our first reading, from Acts, reminds us that the message of Christ is for all peoples. The call to follow Christ stretches out to everyone, irrespective of their birth and their circumstances.
Our second reading from Revelation tells that at the end of time God will renew the whole of his creation. There will be a new heaven and a new earth. People will dwell with God himself and there will be no more death, or crying, or pain anymore.
In our gospel reading we hear Jesus speaking at the last supper. He gives the disciples the New Commandment; “Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.” He explains that it is through our love for one another that people will recognise us as disciples of Christ.
So mutual love is central in our witness to Christ! Even very great acts, done without love, count for nothing (c.f. 1Cor 13:1-3). As we think about Going for Growth and the quality of our Christian witness, let’s remember that we can’t “love one another” on our own. Let’s think about the other Christians who we love and who love us, and let’s renew our commitment to loving in the way that Jesus has loved us.