Gospel
Jerusalem Bible © 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd Ltd and Doubleday & Company Inc.
When Judas had gone Jesus said:
‘Now has the Son of Man been glorified,
and in him God has been glorified.
If God has been glorified in him,
God will in turn glorify him in himself,
and will glorify him very soon.
‘My little children,
I shall not be with you much longer.
You will look for me,
and, as I told the Jews,
where I am going,
you cannot come.
I give you a new commandment:
love one another;
just as I have loved you,
you also must love one another.
By this love you have for one another,
everyone will know that you are my disciples.’
(John 13:31–35)
Did you know?
Points of interest and Catholic lore
- Jesus often used the title ‘Son of Man’ in the gospels to describe himself.
- In the Gospel of John, when Jesus speaks of being glorified or exalted, he is referring to his death on the cross. For John, this is the moment of Jesus' supreme triumph.
- This text originates from a section of the Gospel of John known as the Farewell Discourse, which Jesus delivers to his friends just before his arrest. At this point, Judas has already left to betray him.
Exploring the Word
The Gospel of John is often divided into two sections: the Book of Signs, which details Jesus' public ministry of bringing people to faith, and the Book of Glory, which outlines the events preceding his death and resurrection. One part of that concluding section of the gospel describes the events of Jesus' final night with his followers. It is now too late for those who did not recognise that Jesus is the Messiah. He closets himself with those who do believe and provides them extended instructions regarding how they must continue his mission after he is gone. Both today’s reading and next week’s gospel come from this section of the text.
Jesus is not just telling his disciples that they must love each other, but also that they must love as he has loved. This instruction extends beyond the commandment that Jews already knew about loving one’s neighbour as oneself. Jesus' love was a total, self-giving and selfless love that led to his death on the cross—and to his glorification. This is the love that reveals the love of God, who is love. This new and difficult love is the true mark of a Christian in a truly Christian community.
- How do you understand this commandment to love as Jesus loved?
Making connections
Opportunities for group discussion and personal prayer
- How will people know that you are a disciple of Jesus?
- In what ways do you glorify God?
- How do you show love for others?
- There are times when it is easy and difficult to love. Share an experience in which you were loved beyond what you expected or even deserved. Share an occasion in which you were called to continue loving, even though it was difficult.
- Can you accept the challenge and act with love towards all people you encounter this week?
- The Easter season is one of praise and glorification. Use the Gloria as your prayer this week:
Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to people of good will.
We praise you,
we bless you,
we adore you,
we glorify you,
we give you thanks for your great glory,
Lord God, heavenly King,
O God, almighty Father.
Lord Jesus Christ, only Begotten Son,
Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father
you take away the sins of the world,
have mercy on us;
you take away the sins of the world,
receive our prayer;
you are seated at the right hand of the Father,
have mercy on us.
For you alone are the Holy One,
you alone are the Lord,
you alone are the Most High,
Jesus Christ,
with the Holy Spirit,
in the glory of God the Father.
Amen.
Sharing the tradition
A closer look at the Scripture of the day, to see how it makes more explicit God’s word to us through the teachings of Jesus Christ
‘Ever since St Augustine, the Ten Commandments have occupied a predominant place in the catechesis of baptismal candidates and the faithful’ (CCC §2065). The Ten Commandments outline how people can live in right relationship with both God (the first three) and their neighbours (the remaining seven). They cover all aspects of living in fidelity to God's love for God’s people.
- Explore how the Ten Commandments can be applied to our own society and interpreted to guide our lives today.
The new commandment of Jesus—to love one another as he loved—takes living in right relationship a step further.
- Explore the nature of loving as Jesus loved.
- You could discuss examples of people who have displayed this kind of selfless love, such as Damien of Molokai and Dietrich Bonhoeffer.
Symbols and images
The new commandment to love one another has become the defining principle and sign of discipleship. This love for each other sets believers apart from the rest of the community, and it is through love for one another that people will know that they are followers of Jesus. However, following this commandment is much more difficult than it sounds! The greatest challenge is to act with love towards those whom we find it difficult to like!
Living the Word
Practical ideas for group leaders to employ in connecting Scripture and daily life, with suggestions for music and environment
- How do your community members show love for one another? How does your community give public witness to discipleship? How may the broader community see this love and discipleship in the way people treat each other and in the love they display?
- Continue using the symbols of Easter and initiation as a focus for prayer. Pray for strength for each other to live as Christ lived and to love as he loved. You could also recite the Creed together. Conclude with an Easter song, or perhaps I Have Loved You (GA 402).