True love does not look to one’s shortcomings, but to one’s needs.
5th Sunday of Easter
Acts 14:21-27; Psalm 144; Rv. 21: 1-5a; Jn. 13: 31-33a, 34-35
Read: When Judas left the cenacle, Jesus said: “Now has the son of Man been glorified, and in him God has been glorified. If God has been glorified in him, God will in turn glorify him in himself, and will glorify him very soon. My children, I shall not be with you much longer. I give you a new commandment, to love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also must love one another. By this love you have for one another, everyone will know that you are my disciples.”
Reflect: In this Gospel reading the word “glorified” features several times. For us, the word “glorified” or “to be glorified” means that one gains the approval and praise of others. For Jesus, these words have another meaning. Jesus was glorified when Judas left the meal so as to make a deal with the high priests as to how to corner the Master. It is Jesus who goes to his passion and death, who gave up himself into the hands of those who wanted to kill him, who was nailed to the cross, in whom God’s glory was shown. Jesus makes clear what his glory consists of: “Now the hour has come for the son of Man to be glorified …..unless a wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains a single grain, but if it dies, it yields a rich harvest.” (Jn. 12:23-24)
His glory is the moment when he shows the world how great is God’s love for man by giving his life for mankind. This is the only type of glory that he promised also to his disciples. Therefore, if we really wish to be true disciples of Jesus, we need to seek the type of Jesus’ glory … that which emerges from giving ourselves to others lovingly.
Pray: All your creatures shall thank you, Lord, and your faithful shall bless you. They shall speak of the glory of your kingship and tell of your might. (Psalm 144)
Act: The Lord tells us “Just as I have loved you, you also must love one another.” And how did He love? He continued loving Judas who betrayed him, Peter who denied him, the Apostles who abandoned him. True love does not look to one’s shortcomings, but to one’s needs.