I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another. This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. (John 13:34-35 NABRE)
Interestingly, this commandment was not actually new. The book of Leviticus--said to have been written by Moses--states, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD." (Leviticus 19:18b) And so, by repeating and and adjusting the command of the Law, Jesus puts himself on a par with Yahweh.*
The context of today's passage is itself powerful. Pronounced during the Last Supper between the predictions of Judas' betrayal and Peter's denial, this love of one another (even to death on a cross, as it turns out) becomes the sign to others of Christian discipleship.
And so, let us love our fellow believers. Let us show our love. Let us not show contempt or judgment toward each other, but only acceptance and encouragement. Let us remember Jesus' teaching about those who do surprising things in His name: “Do not prevent him, for whoever is not against you is for you.” (Luke 9:50)
Today, I will accept and encourage fellow believers, and I will dismiss any notions of contempt or judgment of them which may well up within me.
Saint Ephrem, poet, teacher, orator, defender of the faith, and the only Syrian recognized as a doctor of the Church, pray for us.
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