5th Sunday of Easter 18 May 2025 Love one another
Jesus prepares to leave His Church, as we move from Easter to Pentecost. We, meanwhile, adapt to having faith but not the actual sight of Christ. In a little while you will see Me again Jn 16,16.
We see Him with the eyes of faith, or we could say, with the eyes of love.
Love is God's main language, - and if we enact that language we will be on the same wavelength as God and each other.
This is how the Church keeps unity, when it does. It is love that makes it possible for us to perceive the presence of God - if we love one another, as Jesus teaches today (Jn 13,34). We will be transformed as we do that, better people in a better world.
The Church has buildings and all the latest technology, but those things are just to make possible the main work, which is to love – God and neighbour.
The Church makes present the love of God, through teaching, through works of mercy, through the sacraments. We have to act out this charity, not just have it there in theory.
We have to be active in seeking this divine element. We look for God in all the circumstances we encounter. We try to learn to interpret His will, to be ready to obey Him.
This is hard if we are not used to prayer, or do not have a lot of faith It is something we have to try first, to see if it ‘works’.
Many will say prayer is useless, so they do not pray. But if they did pray – continuously – they would find that it does indeed make a difference.
In the meantime, God wants us to become fluent in His language – Love one another …
And once we have mastered this we can build on to it, reaching a stronger awareness of God, and ways of dealing with every situation.
We can have heaven on earth (second reading) if we do this from the heart, seeking to please God first, knowing that other people will benefit also.
If we really love God we will have a much warmer view of other people.
Big occasions can bring out a stronger sense of solidarity. For example, the recent Pope’s election. This is a small glimpse of the kingdom of God in our midst. A lot of people all sharing the one faith and seeking the same outcomes.
Or pilgrimages to holy places, where people seek higher things.
We derive that extra warmth from the heart of Christ. On the Cross Jesus has His arms outstretched. When I am lifted from the earth, I will draw all men to Myself. Jn 12,32
Loving one another means in practice many different things
according to the need. But at the heart of the matter, it means having respect
for the dignity of each person, helping those in need – drawing heavily from
God's mercy and charity.
God gives us the ability to be merciful as He is merciful. This will come with repeated exposure to His grace.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. (1 Cor 13,4-7)
This is how Our Lord keeps us within reach while He is physically away from us. We will hardly miss Him if we take His word seriously and put it into practice. Always with His help.
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