Judas had just left the upper room to betray Jesus (Jn 13:31). Jesus knew He would be dead in a matter of hours. He said to His apostles: "My children, I am not to be with you much longer" (Jn 13:33). Then Jesus gave us the new commandment, to love one another as He had loved us (Jn 13:34). Jesus repeated this commandment two more times and said we would be recognized as His disciples because of this unique love (Jn 13:34-35). Within a few hours after saying this, Jesus died on the cross because of His love for us.
Jesus has clearly commanded us to crucified, sacrificial, unconditional love. He calls us to love the Judases in our lives. He calls us to lay down our lives (1 Jn 3:16) in love, even for our enemies. This new commandment of love is the essence of salvation, the meaning of life, and the way to the Father.
Jesus suffered for thirty-three years of life, three years of public ministry, and over three hours of agony, crucifixion and death because of His love for us. Let us live the new commandment and love one another as Jesus has loved us.
| PRAYER: | Jesus, may I repent and accept Your heart of love for the person I least love. |
| PROMISE: | "The One Who sat on the throne said to me, 'See, I make all things new!' " –Rv 21:5 |
| PRAISE: | Alleluia! Jesus, You have conquered sin and death. You are the Lamb of God Who takes away all our sins (Jn 1:29). Thank You, Jesus! |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College