LENT 40 days – Day 36
Scripture reading: “I give you a new commandment: you must love one another. As I love you, you must also love one another. If you love one another, everyone will know that you are My disciples.” John 13:34
In this time of Lent, we are invited to reflect on the nature of true friendship and love, as taught to us by Jesus. Jesus himself spoke about the real friendship He has for us and the call He gives to each of us to live out the same self-sacrificing love.
Jesus’ words, “you shall be my friends,” are an expression of his unconditional love for us. He Himself has shown how far He is willing to go for us by laying His life on the altar for His friends. Through this invitation to friendship, He also gives us a commandment: “love one another.” This is not just a command, but a gift – an opportunity to become part of his community of love.
The core of our faith as followers of Jesus is love – love for God and love for each other. It is through our love for one another that we can portray the true character of God’s kingdom on earth. But we must be honest: we have often failed to live this love. Division, strife and selfishness characterize our communities these days.
Now we are invited to strive for a community in which Jesus’ love determines the direction. We must not only love our fellow cultures, but also everyone around us. Like Jesus, we have the calling to extend our love to everyone in the world.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank you for the gift of friendship and love that you share with us. Help us to be true friends of each other and to live out Your example of love in all our relationships. May our communities reflect who You are and what You give: LOVE. Amen.
Reflection questions:
1. How can our love for each other be a testimony of our friendship with Jesus?
2. In what ways can our communities be a space of love and care?
3. What are the challenges of living out love in our everyday life, and how can we overcome them?