Readings
I - Acts 14: 21-27
II - Rev. 21: 1-5
III - Jn. 13: 31-35
BECOME WITNESSES OF GOD’S LOVE
Today’s Gospel passage is the touchstone of discipleship: “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another”.
The apostles, early Christians and the Church suffered because they bore testimony to the love of the Lord in their patient love and endurance. In the first reading Paul and Barnabas encourages the Christians to go through the tribulation for their belief in Christ Jesus in order to enter into the Kingdom of God. The second reading provides hope for the new heaven and earth and New Jerusalem where there shall be no suffering or mourning or crying but everlasting happiness and peace.
For Christ’s sake we might have to endure little afflictions and inconveniences but they worth nothing to the joy that awaits in the world yet to come, the New Jerusalem. Love is always suffering. Sr. Rani Maria loved the tribals, the Australian missionary Graham Stain loved the lepers, St. Oscar Romero loved the people, a reflection of Christ’s love for his people and therefore they had to suffer giving up their life but they had merited the life eternal, the reward of the beloved of Jesus.
Love people and radiate the joy of being loved by God proving ourselves to be the disciples of the Lord. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, help us to be your authentic disciples in loving others”
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