Friday of the Seventh
Week of Easter
Lectionary: 301
Lectionary: 301
King Agrippa and Bernice arrived in Caesarea
on a visit to Festus.
Since they spent several days there,
Festus referred Paul’s case to the king, saying,
“There is a man here left in custody by Felix.
When I was in Jerusalem the chief priests and the elders of the Jews
brought charges against him and demanded his condemnation.
I answered them that it was not Roman practice
to hand over an accused person before he has faced his accusers
and had the opportunity to defend himself against their charge.
So when they came together here, I made no delay;
the next day I took my seat on the tribunal
and ordered the man to be brought in.
His accusers stood around him,
but did not charge him with any of the crimes I suspected.
Instead they had some issues with him about their own religion
and about a certain Jesus who had died
but who Paul claimed was alive.
Since I was at a loss how to investigate this controversy,
I asked if he were willing to go to Jerusalem
and there stand trial on these charges.
And when Paul appealed that he be held in custody
for the Emperor’s decision,
I ordered him held until I could send him to Caesar.”
on a visit to Festus.
Since they spent several days there,
Festus referred Paul’s case to the king, saying,
“There is a man here left in custody by Felix.
When I was in Jerusalem the chief priests and the elders of the Jews
brought charges against him and demanded his condemnation.
I answered them that it was not Roman practice
to hand over an accused person before he has faced his accusers
and had the opportunity to defend himself against their charge.
So when they came together here, I made no delay;
the next day I took my seat on the tribunal
and ordered the man to be brought in.
His accusers stood around him,
but did not charge him with any of the crimes I suspected.
Instead they had some issues with him about their own religion
and about a certain Jesus who had died
but who Paul claimed was alive.
Since I was at a loss how to investigate this controversy,
I asked if he were willing to go to Jerusalem
and there stand trial on these charges.
And when Paul appealed that he be held in custody
for the Emperor’s decision,
I ordered him held until I could send him to Caesar.”
Responsorial Psalm PS 103:1-2, 11-12, 19-20AB
R. (19a) The Lord has established his
throne in heaven.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Bless the LORD, O my soul;
and all my being, bless his holy name.
Bless the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits.
R. The Lord has established his throne in heaven.
or:
R. Alleluia.
For as the heavens are high above the earth,
so surpassing is his kindness toward those who fear him.
As far as the east is from the west,
so far has he put our transgressions from us.
R. The Lord has established his throne in heaven.
or:
R. Alleluia.
The LORD has established his throne in heaven,
and his kingdom rules over all.
Bless the LORD, all you his angels,
you mighty in strength, who do his bidding.
R. The Lord has established his throne in heaven.
or:
R. Alleluia.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Bless the LORD, O my soul;
and all my being, bless his holy name.
Bless the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits.
R. The Lord has established his throne in heaven.
or:
R. Alleluia.
For as the heavens are high above the earth,
so surpassing is his kindness toward those who fear him.
As far as the east is from the west,
so far has he put our transgressions from us.
R. The Lord has established his throne in heaven.
or:
R. Alleluia.
The LORD has established his throne in heaven,
and his kingdom rules over all.
Bless the LORD, all you his angels,
you mighty in strength, who do his bidding.
R. The Lord has established his throne in heaven.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Gospel JN 21:15-19
After Jesus had revealed himself to his disciples
and eaten breakfast with them,
he said to Simon Peter,
“Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?”
Simon Peter answered him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”
Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.”
He then said to Simon Peter a second time,
“Simon, son of John, do you love me?”
Simon Peter answered him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”
He said to him, “Tend my sheep.”
He said to him the third time,
“Simon, son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was distressed that he had said to him a third time,
“Do you love me?” and he said to him,
“Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.”
Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.
Amen, amen, I say to you, when you were younger,
you used to dress yourself and go where you wanted;
but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands,
and someone else will dress you
and lead you where you do not want to go.”
He said this signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God.
And when he had said this, he said to him, “Follow me.”
he said to Simon Peter,
“Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?”
Simon Peter answered him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”
Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.”
He then said to Simon Peter a second time,
“Simon, son of John, do you love me?”
Simon Peter answered him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”
He said to him, “Tend my sheep.”
He said to him the third time,
“Simon, son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was distressed that he had said to him a third time,
“Do you love me?” and he said to him,
“Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.”
Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.
Amen, amen, I say to you, when you were younger,
you used to dress yourself and go where you wanted;
but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands,
and someone else will dress you
and lead you where you do not want to go.”
He said this signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God.
And when he had said this, he said to him, “Follow me.”
Meditation: "Do you love Jesus
more than these?"
The Lord Jesus asked Simon Peter and he asks each
one of us a very personal and profound question - do you love me more than
anything else that might be very dear to you? How can the love of Jesus Christ
be so attractive and so costly at the same time? Jesus on many occasions spoke
to his disciples about the nature of God's unquenchable love. God is
love (1 John 4:16) because he is the creator and source of all that is
true love. His love is unconditional, unmerited, and unlimited. We can't buy
it, earn it, demand it. It is a pure gift, freely given, and freely received.
God's love doesn't change or waver. It endures because it is eternal and
timeless. It’s the beginning and the end - the purpose for which God created us
and why he wants us to be united with him in a bond of unbreakable love. And
it’s the essence of what is means to be a son or daughter of God the eternal
Father.
The Lord Jesus shows us that love is a personal
choice and a gift freely given - it is the giving of oneself to another person
for their sake. Unselfish love is oriented wholly to the good of the other
person for their own welfare and benefit. John the Evangelist tells us that
"God so loved the world that he gave us his only-begotten Son" (John
3:16) who took on human flesh for our sake and who died upon the cross for our
salvation - to set us free from the power of sin so that we might receive
abundant everlasting life and peace with God.
God's love heals and transforms our lives and
frees us from fear, selfishness, and greed. It draws us to the very heart of
God and it compels us to give him the best we have and all we possess - our
gifts, our time, our resources, our full allegiance, and our very lives. Paul
the Apostle tells us that God’s love has been poured into our hearts
through the Holy Spirit which has been given us (Romans 5:5). What can
quench such love? Certainly fear, sin, pride, indifference, disbelief, and the
loss of hope and trust in God's promises and his mercy towards us.
Do you love me more than these?
Why did Jesus question Peter's loyalty and love three times in front of the other apostles? It must have caused Peter great pain and sorrow since he had publicly denied Jesus three times during the night of Jesus' betrayal and condemnation by the religious authorities who had sought to kill him. Now Peter, full of grief and deep remorse, unequivocally stated that he loved his master and was willing to serve and obey him whatever it might cost. When Jesus asks him "do you love me more than these?" Jesus may have pointed to the boats, fishing nets, and catch of fish from the night's work. He may have challenged Peter to abandon his work as a fisherman for the task of shepherding the community of God's people. Jesus may have also pointed to the other disciples and to Peter's previous boast: "Though they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away" (Matthew 26:33). Peter now makes no boast or comparison but humbly responds: "You know that I love you."
Why did Jesus question Peter's loyalty and love three times in front of the other apostles? It must have caused Peter great pain and sorrow since he had publicly denied Jesus three times during the night of Jesus' betrayal and condemnation by the religious authorities who had sought to kill him. Now Peter, full of grief and deep remorse, unequivocally stated that he loved his master and was willing to serve and obey him whatever it might cost. When Jesus asks him "do you love me more than these?" Jesus may have pointed to the boats, fishing nets, and catch of fish from the night's work. He may have challenged Peter to abandon his work as a fisherman for the task of shepherding the community of God's people. Jesus may have also pointed to the other disciples and to Peter's previous boast: "Though they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away" (Matthew 26:33). Peter now makes no boast or comparison but humbly responds: "You know that I love you."
The Lord Jesus calls each one of us, even in our
own weakness, sins, and failings, to love him above all else. Saint Augustine
of Hippo (354-430 AD) in his Confession wrote: "Late have I loved you, O
Beauty so ancient and so new. Late have I loved you! ...You shone your Self
upon me to drive away my blindness. You breathed your fragrance upon me... and
in astonishment I drew my breath...now I pant for you! I tasted you, and now I
hunger and thirst for you. You touched me! - and I burn to live within your
peace" (Confession 10:27).
Nothing but our own sinful pride and stubborn
wilfulness can keep us from the love of God. He loved us first and our love for
him is a response to his exceeding graciousness and mercy towards us. Do you
allow God's love to fill your heart and transform your life?
"Lord Jesus, inflame my heart with your
love and burn away everything within it that may be unloving, unkind,
ungrateful, unholy, and not in accord with your will. May I always love what
you love and reject what is contrary to your love and will for my life."
 Love Demands a Loving Response |
John 21:15-19
After Jesus had revealed himself to his
disciples and eaten breakfast with them, he said to Simon Peter, "Simon,
son of John, do you love me more than these?" He said to him, "Yes,
Lord, you know that I love you." He said to him, "Feed my
lambs." He then said to him a second time, "Simon, son of John, do
you love me?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love
you." He said to him, "Tend my sheep." He said to him the
third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was
distressed that he had said to him a third time, "Do you love me?"
and he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love
you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep. Amen, amen, I say to you,
when you were younger, you used to dress yourself and go where you wanted;
but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will
dress you and lead you where you do not want to go." He said this signifying
by what kind of death he would glorify God. And when he had said this, he
said to him, "Follow me."
Introductory Prayer: Lord, I believe
in you and all that you have revealed for our salvation. I hope in you
because of your overflowing mercy. Every single act of yours on this earth
demonstrated your love for us. Your ascent into heaven before the eyes of the
Apostles inspires my hope of one day joining you there. I love you and wish
you to be the center of my life.
Petition: Lord, help me to respond
with love to your self-giving love.
1. “Do You Love Me?” The moment
for which Christ has been preparing ever since his Resurrection has arrived.
He is alone with Peter. Their last encounter before Jesus’ death was that sad
occasion when Christ looked at Peter, forgiving him after his threefold
denial. Now Christ takes Peter a little apart from the others and gives him
the opportunity to affirm a threefold pledge of his love. The one, supreme
condition for Christ to renew Peter’s commission to tend his sheep is Peter’s
love for his Master. Love is the one, supreme condition for each of us who
aspires to be an apostle. Peter’s love has been purified by his betrayal of
Christ during the Passion: It has been chastened and humbled. Now Peter
entrusts everything -- even his love -- into Christ’s hands: “Yes, Lord, you
know that I love you.” Do my failures enable me to love Christ more, with
greater trust?
2. “Can Love Be Commanded?” Pope
Emeritus Benedict XVI poses a provocative question in his first
encyclical, Deus Caritas Est (God is Love). How
can Christ demand love from us in order for us to be his followers, his
apostles? Pope Emeritus Benedict clarifies, “Love cannot be commanded; it is
ultimately a feeling that is either there or not, nor can it be produced by the
will” (no. 16). The response to this apparent quandary is twofold. In the
first place, love can be commanded because it has first been given. “God does
not demand of us a feeling which we ourselves are incapable of producing. He
loves us, he makes us see and experience his love, and since he has ‘loved us
first,’ love can also blossom as a response within us” (no. 17). In the
second place, “it is clearly revealed that love is not merely a sentiment.
Sentiments come and go. A sentiment can be a marvelous first spark, but it is
not the fullness of love” (no. 17).
3. “Love in Its Most Radical Form” What,
then, is the essence of love, that love which Christ first gave to us and
which he in turn demands of us as his followers? “It is characteristic of a
mature love that it calls into play all man’s potentialities; it engages the
whole man, so to speak. Contact with the visible manifestations of God’s love
can awaken within us a feeling of joy born of the experience of being loved.
But this encounter also engages our will and our intellect. Acknowledgment of
the living God is one path towards love, and the ‘yes’ of our will to his
will unites our intellect, will and sentiments in the all-embracing act of
love” (Deus Caritas Est, no. 17). As Pope John Paul the Great has
phrased it so many times, true love is the gift of one’s entire self.
Conversation with Christ: Thank you,
Lord, for helping me to see, through Pope Saint John Paul the Great, Pope
Emeritus Benedict XVI and Pope Francis, the meaning of authentic love. Thank
you for your limitless love for me. Your love is the standard to which my own
poor love must rise.
Resolution: I will give myself to
Christ today in acts of love that embrace my whole person: intellect, will
and sentiments.
|
FRIDAY, JUNE 6, JOHN 21:15-19
(Acts 25:13b-21; Psalm 103)
KEY VERSE: Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep" (v.17).
READING: For Peter's three-fold denial, the Risen Lord gave him three opportunities to profess his devotion. There are two Greek words used for love in this passage. Agape love is the highest love imaginable, the love that God has for the Son and for all created beings. Phileo love has a different connotation, referring to human affection or friendship. Jesus asked Peter twice, "Do you love me?" (Agapas me?). Peter replied, "I love you" (Philo se). The third time, Jesus asked, "Do you love me like a friend?" (Phileis me?). Jesus wanted Peter to know he accepted him in friendship and forgave him for his disavowal of knowing him. To each expression of love, Jesus told Peter to feed his flock. Like Jesus the good Shepherd, Peter would lay down his life for the sake of the sheep (Jn 10:11) and walk the same road to the cross that Jesus walked..
REFLECTING: In what ways do I feed the Lord's flock?
PRAYING: Risen Lord, I pray for all the shepherds of the Church, especially Pope Francis I.
(Acts 25:13b-21; Psalm 103)
KEY VERSE: Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep" (v.17).
READING: For Peter's three-fold denial, the Risen Lord gave him three opportunities to profess his devotion. There are two Greek words used for love in this passage. Agape love is the highest love imaginable, the love that God has for the Son and for all created beings. Phileo love has a different connotation, referring to human affection or friendship. Jesus asked Peter twice, "Do you love me?" (Agapas me?). Peter replied, "I love you" (Philo se). The third time, Jesus asked, "Do you love me like a friend?" (Phileis me?). Jesus wanted Peter to know he accepted him in friendship and forgave him for his disavowal of knowing him. To each expression of love, Jesus told Peter to feed his flock. Like Jesus the good Shepherd, Peter would lay down his life for the sake of the sheep (Jn 10:11) and walk the same road to the cross that Jesus walked..
REFLECTING: In what ways do I feed the Lord's flock?
PRAYING: Risen Lord, I pray for all the shepherds of the Church, especially Pope Francis I.
Optional Memorial of
Norbert, bishop
Norbert of Xanten, a town near the Holland-German border, did not begin his career as a reformer. Quite the opposite, for he took holy orders as a career move, a practice that was eroding the credibility and effectiveness of the Church. A narrow escape from death led to a conversion experience. After three years of self-scrutiny and prayer, he concluded that he should seek ordination to the priesthood and commit himself to Jesus and the ideals of the Gospel. A changed man, he returned to the parish community, determined to live as a principled priest and anxious to engage in active ministry. He founded the order of Canons Regular of Prémontré, France, also called Premonstratensians -- or simply, the Norbertines, starting a reform movement that swept through European monastic houses. The Norbertines vowed to seek Christ by means of community living, poverty, obedience and celibacy. Norbert held before them the dream of the first Christians after Pentecost whose community life was characterized by the power of the Spirit and a desire to be of service to others.
Norbert of Xanten, a town near the Holland-German border, did not begin his career as a reformer. Quite the opposite, for he took holy orders as a career move, a practice that was eroding the credibility and effectiveness of the Church. A narrow escape from death led to a conversion experience. After three years of self-scrutiny and prayer, he concluded that he should seek ordination to the priesthood and commit himself to Jesus and the ideals of the Gospel. A changed man, he returned to the parish community, determined to live as a principled priest and anxious to engage in active ministry. He founded the order of Canons Regular of Prémontré, France, also called Premonstratensians -- or simply, the Norbertines, starting a reform movement that swept through European monastic houses. The Norbertines vowed to seek Christ by means of community living, poverty, obedience and celibacy. Norbert held before them the dream of the first Christians after Pentecost whose community life was characterized by the power of the Spirit and a desire to be of service to others.
MINUTE MEDITATIONS
Abstain from Sin
We must also fast and abstain from vices and sins and from any
excess of food and drink, and be Catholics. –St. Francis
The Lord has set his throne in heaven
His accusers did not charge him with any of the crimes.The story of Paul coming up against the authorities makes interesting reading. The tribunal’s process appears similar to ours. During the trial, the king was surprised that Paul’s accusers did not charge him. We don’t know their reason for abstaining, but we do know that he was not guilty of any crime. Instead they argued about the stories Paul told them about Jesus. Paul’s story brings to mind the thousands of people in Australia who have been imprisoned just as Paul was. Like Paul, these asylum seekers in detention in our country have committed no crime in asking for protection. May this story give us the grace to show compassion to all asylum seekers, and to act justly in our treatment of them.
June
6
St. Norbert
(1080?-1134)
St. Norbert
(1080?-1134)
In the twelfth century in the French region of Premontre, St.
Norbert founded a religious Order known as the Praemonstratensians or the
Norbertines. His founding of the Order was a monumental task: combating rampant
heresies (particularly regarding the Blessed Sacrament), revitalizing many of
the faithful who had grown indifferent and dissolute, plus effecting peace and
reconciliation among enemies.
Norbert
entertained no pretensions about his own ability to accomplish this multiple
task. Even with the aid of a goodly number of men who joined his Order, he
realized that nothing could be effectively done without God’s power. Finding
this help especially in devotion to the Blessed Sacrament, he and his
Norbertines praised God for success in converting heretics, reconciling
numerous enemies and rebuilding faith in indifferent believers. Many of them
lived in central houses during the week and served in parishes on weekends.
Reluctantly,
Norbert became archbishop of Magdeburg in central Germany, a territory half
pagan and half Christian. In this position he zealously and courageously
continued his work for the Church until his death on June 6, 1134.
Comment:
A different world cannot be built by indifferent people. The same is true in regard to the Church. The indifference of vast numbers of nominal faithful to ecclesiastical authority and essential doctrines of the faith weakens the Church's witness. Unswerving loyalty to the Church and fervent devotion to the Eucharist, as practiced by Norbert, will continue immeasurably towards maintaining the people of God in accord with the heart of Christ.
A different world cannot be built by indifferent people. The same is true in regard to the Church. The indifference of vast numbers of nominal faithful to ecclesiastical authority and essential doctrines of the faith weakens the Church's witness. Unswerving loyalty to the Church and fervent devotion to the Eucharist, as practiced by Norbert, will continue immeasurably towards maintaining the people of God in accord with the heart of Christ.
Quote:
On the occasion of his ordination to the priesthood, Norbert said, "O Priest! You are not yourself because you are God. You are not of yourself because you are the servant and minister of Christ. You are not your own because you are the spouse of the Church. You are not yourself because you are the mediator between God and man. You are not from yourself because you are nothing. What then are you? Nothing and everything. O Priest! Take care lest what was said to Christ on the cross be said to you: 'He saved others, himself he cannot save!'"
On the occasion of his ordination to the priesthood, Norbert said, "O Priest! You are not yourself because you are God. You are not of yourself because you are the servant and minister of Christ. You are not your own because you are the spouse of the Church. You are not yourself because you are the mediator between God and man. You are not from yourself because you are nothing. What then are you? Nothing and everything. O Priest! Take care lest what was said to Christ on the cross be said to you: 'He saved others, himself he cannot save!'"
LECTIO DIVINA: JOHN 21,15-19
Lectio:
Friday, June 6, 2014
1)
OPENING PRAYER
Lord our God,
you have appointed shepherds in your Church
to speak your word to us
and to build community in your name.
We pray you today:
May they be shepherds like your Son
who look for those who have lost the way,
bring back the stray, bandage the wounded
and make the weak strong.
May they all be ministers
of your tender love and service,
as Jesus was, your Son and our Lord.
you have appointed shepherds in your Church
to speak your word to us
and to build community in your name.
We pray you today:
May they be shepherds like your Son
who look for those who have lost the way,
bring back the stray, bandage the wounded
and make the weak strong.
May they all be ministers
of your tender love and service,
as Jesus was, your Son and our Lord.
2)
GOSPEL READING - JOHN 21,15-19
When they had eaten, Jesus said to Simon Peter, 'Simon son of
John, do you love me more than these others do?' He answered, 'Yes, Lord, you
know I love you.' Jesus said to him, 'Feed my lambs.'
A second time he said to him, 'Simon son of John, do you love
me?' He replied, 'Yes, Lord, you know I love you.' Jesus said to him, 'Look
after my sheep.'
Then he said to him a third time, 'Simon son of John, do you
love me?' Peter was hurt that he asked him a third time, 'Do you love me?' and
said, 'Lord, you know everything; you know I love you.' Jesus said to him,
'Feed my sheep. In all truth I tell you, when you were young you put on your
own belt and walked where you liked; but when you grow old you will stretch out
your hands, and somebody else will put a belt round you and take you where you
would rather not go.'
In these words he indicated the kind of death by which Peter
would give glory to God. After this he said, 'Follow me.'
3)
REFLECTION
• We are in the last days before Pentecost. During the time of
Lent the selection of the Gospels of the day continues the ancient tradition of
the Church. Between Easter and Pentecost, the Gospel of John is preferred. And
thus, during these last days, before Pentecost, the Gospels of the day narrate
the last verses of the Gospel of John. When again we go to Ordinary time, we
will go back to the Gospel of Mark. In the weeks of Ordinary Time, the Liturgy
proceeds to a continuous reading of the Gospel of Mark (from the 1st to the 9th
week of the Ordinary Time), of Matthew (from the 10th to 21st week of Ordinary
Time) and of Luke from the 22nd to the 34th week of Ordinary Time).
• The Gospel readings for today and for tomorrow speak about the
last encounter of Jesus with his disciples. It was an encounter of celebration,
marked by tenderness and affection. At the end Jesus calls Peter and asks him
three times: “Do you love me?” Only after having received three times the same
affirmative response, Jesus entrusts to Peter the mission of taking care of the
lambs. In order to be able to work in the community Jesus does not ask us many
things. What he asks of us is to have much love!
• John 21. 15-17: Love in the centre of the mission. After a
whole night of fishing in the lake catching not even one fish, they go to the
shore, the disciples discover that Jesus had prepared bread and roasted fish
for them. When they finished eating, Jesus calls Peter and asks him three
times: “Do you love me?” Three times, because Peter denied Jesus three times
(Jn 18, 17.25-27). After the three affirmative responses, Peter also becomes a
“Beloved Disciple” and receives the order to take care of the lambs. Jesus does
not ask Peter if he had studied exegesis, theology, Morals, or Canon Law. He
only asks: “Do you love me?” Love in the first place. For the communities of
the Beloved Disciple the force which supports and maintains united is not the
doctrine, but love.
• John 21, 18-19: The foresight of death. Jesus tells Peter:
Truly I tell you: when you were young, you put on your own belt and walked
where you liked; but when you grow old you will stretch out your hands, and
somebody else will put a belt round you and take you where you would rather not
go! Throughout life, Peter and we also, attain maturity. The practice of love
will take roots in life and the persons will not longer be the patrons of their
own life. Service to the brothers and sisters out of love will prevail and will
lead us. Somebody else will put a belt round you and take you where you would
rather not go. This is the meaning of the following. And the Evangelist
comments: “He tells him this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would
give glory to God”. And Jesus adds: “Follow me.”
• Love in John – Peter, do you love me? – The Beloved Disciple.
The word love is one of the words which today are more used by us. Precisely,
because of this, it is a word that has been greatly worn out. But the
communities of the Beloved Disciple manifested their identity and their own project
by this word. To love is, above all, a profound experience of relationship
among persons in which there are similar sentiments and values: joy, sadness,
suffering, growth, renunciation, dedication, fulfilment, gift, commitment,
life, death, etc. All these together is summarized in the Bible in one only
word in the Hebrew language. This word is hesed. Its translation in our
language is difficult. Generally, in our Bibles it is translated by charity,
mercy, fidelity or love. The communities of the Beloved Disciple sought to live
this practice of love in a very radical way. Jesus revealed this in his
encounters with persons with sentiments of friendship and tenderness, as for
example, in his relationship with the family of Martha and Mary of Bethany: “Jesus
loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus” He weeps before the tomb of Lazarus
(Jn 11, 5.33-36). Jesus always embodies his mission in a manifestation of love:
“having loved his own, he loved them to the end” (Jn 13, 1). In this love,
Jesus manifests his profound identity with the Father (Jn 15, 9). For his
communities, there was no other commandment, except this one “to act as Jesus
acted” (1 Jn 2, 6). This presupposes to love the brethren” (1 Jn 2, 7-11; 3,
11-24; 2 Jn 4-6). Being such a central commandment in the life of the
community, the writings of John define love as follows: “This is the proof of
love that he laid down his life for us and we too ought to lay down our lives
for our brothers”. Our love should not be just words or mere talk but something
active and genuine”. (1 Jn 3, 16-17). Anyone who lives this love and manifests
it in words and attitudes becomes a Beloved Disciple.
4)
FOR PERSONAL CONFRONTATION
• Look within you and say: which is the most profound reason
which impels you to work in the community? Love or the concern for ideas?
• Considering the relationships among us, with God and with
nature, what type of community are we constructing?
5)
CONCLUDING PRAYER
Bless Yahweh, my soul,
from the depths of my being, his holy name;
bless Yahweh, my soul,
never forget all his acts of kindness. (Ps 103,1-2)
from the depths of my being, his holy name;
bless Yahweh, my soul,
never forget all his acts of kindness. (Ps 103,1-2)
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