THE NEW COMMANDMENT OF LOVE: The context of the Gospel is the
Last Supper in John 13. John describes Jesus in this chapter as having loved his
disciples “to the end” (John 13:1). There is no greater love than a man dying
for his friends (cf. John 15:13). William Barclay, commenting on John 13:31-33,
says that in any warfare, the greatest glory goes to the warriors who fell, not
the survivors, because the dead made the greatest sacrifice. He adds that
obedience is the only way a man shows that he loves, admires and trusts a
leader (The Gospel of John, Vol 2,
148). This comment helps us understand today’s Gospel. Judas’ exit shows his
final decision to have Jesus killed. Jesus decidedly did nothing to avert the
looming catastrophe because it was the will of the Father that he died on the
cross. Jesus’ acceptance to die on the cross was the greatest way he manifested
his love for humanity. His act was great glorification. His act of obedience
was also great glorification of the Father. There was none before Jesus who
exhibited this type of vicarious suffering and death. It was therefore a new
commandment of love. The type of love Jesus is asking from us for others is not
eros (sexual love) because this is
natural. It comes instinctively whether willed or not. It is equally not storge or philia (familial or friendly love) because it is natural that we
love our parents, siblings, friends and relations, since they show affection to
us. The love Jesus is asking for is agape
(Christian love). This type requires our intellect and will because it is not
natural. Agape is also for enemies
and those repulsive to us. Jesus died for his enemies (Rom 5:8-10).
PRAYER:
O Jesus, the
command to love our enemies and those repulsive to us is very demanding. Give
us the grace to love as you love. Amen.
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