Identifying a Christian

One of the purposes of Jesus’ ministry was to make disciples of all people. With this in mind, we too are disciples and therefore must go out and share his message.

The Gospel According to John

In the Gospel for the fifth Sunday of Easter (John 13:31-33) Jesus said his followers are identified by the love they have for one another. He tells us how we are to love one another: “As I have loved you.” The command itself, like many of Jesus’ teachings, is easier said than done. Jesus calls us to love as God loves. It is an unconditional and never-ending love.

The Joy of Love

In spring 2016, Pope Francis’ released Amoris Laetitia or The Joy of Love. He writes of love and mercy, understanding and acceptance, particularly in families, marriage and in regards to divorce. At the end of his 256-page letter, he notes, “no family drops down from heaven perfectly formed, families need constantly to grow and mature in the ability to love.”

Homework

St. John saw and heard many things in his Book of Revelation (21:3). A loud voice from the throne said, “Behold, God’s dwelling is with the human race.” Let us make ourselves a dwelling place for God and share this message of love. Let us bring it out into the world, the same world that Jesus died for. No other human being has ever loved, or could ever love with the intensity and passion as Jesus has. Jesus did more than teach about love, his life was love. And he died with love.