John 13:31-35 (NRSV)
Read John 13:31-35 on biblegateway.com
Verse 31When he had gone out, Jesus said, "Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. Verse 32If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself and will glorify him at once. Verse 33Little children, I am with you only a little longer. You will look for me; and as I said to the Jews so now I say to you, 'Where I am going, you cannot come.' Verse 34I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. Verse 35By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."
Devotion
Today's gospel reading revisits Jesus' and his disciples' Passover observance. Anticipating his crucifixion, Jesus prepares to leave the disciples and their community. Here, Jesus specifically calls his disciples to love each other. However, we know that Jesus generally and more inclusively calls us to love all our neighbors and even our enemies.
Jesus taught the disciples how to love by loving them. He demonstrated his love by washing their feet. Subsequently, Jesus called the disciples to show love for one another. Their loving actions would teach God's love to all the world.
Realistically, it is challenging to love one another, whether it is within our families, among our friends, or in our communities. Loving one another while living in an inclusive community with people who are different from us is difficult. Nevertheless, loving one another is possible because our loving God dwells with us!
Prayer
Loving God, just as you love us, help us to love one another. Amen.