Year C. Acts 14:21b-27, Psalm 145 (144):8:9.10-13, Revelation 21:1-5 & John 13:31-35.
Love That Builds, Heals, and Makes All Things New
Today’s readings address a very important theme: love. Not just any love—but the kind of love that builds up, heals wounds, and even helps make the world new again.
In the Gospel, Jesus recognises that His time is limited. Having just completed the Last Supper, Judas has departed to betray Him. In this moment of sorrow and distress, Jesus chooses not to dwell on anger or fear. Rather, He speaks of glory and imparts a new commandment to His disciples: “Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.” This is really profound. Jesus doesn’t simply request us to love occasionally or only during good times. He calls us to love as He loves us—with patience, kindness, and selflessness. He washed the feet of His disciples, forgave those who wounded Him, and ultimately laid down His life for us. This is the kind of love He desires us to extend to others.
We see in the first reading this Sunday how Paul and Barnabas returned to towns where they faced rejection and hostility. Why return? Because those people required support and encouragement. Paul and Barnabas did not merely preach and depart—they returned to strengthen the Church, assist individuals in deepening their faith, and reassure them that despite life’s challenges, God is always present.
They conveyed to the people, “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.” This suggests that true love often demands effort. Sometimes, it involves revisiting places or people that have caused us pain—but doing so with a heart full of peace, not anger. This embodies love in action.
Psalm 145 serves as a reminder of God’s nature: “The Lord is kind and full of mercy. He is slow to get angry and full of love.” Today, we are reminded to be patient, gentle, and abundant in love, reflecting God’s heart to others.
In the second reading from Revelation, we are given a beautiful promise: “God will wipe away every tear from their eyes… He will make all things new.” This transcends merely anticipating the future in heaven. God is already initiating something new today—within our hearts, our families, and our communities—each time we make the choice to love.
So, what does all this mean for us today?
This means we are called to love as Jesus did—even through difficulties.
To serve others, to forgive, and to extend our efforts for those in need. It is by this love that the world around us will recognise our belonging to Him, not solely through attendance at church, but through our deep, kind, and faithful love.
Let us seek Jesus’ assistance in embodying this love. Each time we love like Him, we contribute to healing the world and embrace His promise to renew all things. Amen.
HAPPY SUNDAY TO YOU. I PRAY YOU HAVE A BLESSED WEEK AND THAT THE FAVIUR OF GOD WILL BE WITH YOU IN YOUR PATH. GOD BLESS YOU!
THANKS FOR SHARING THIS SPACE WITH ME.
