To remain in Jesus’ love is not to sit back and enjoy peace of mind and a sublime state of equilibrium that is untroubled by all that passes by. It is not a self-indulgent sense of the certainty of our own salvation without reference to anyone else. Jesus calls us to love as He did. That means a love that does not concern itself with our own wants, our own desires, our own emotions; it means a love that is willing to give of ourselves, a love that does not count the cost, a love that is extended even to those we would not normally want to love. This is, truly, a love that is stronger than death. If we can learn this love, then we too become people for others, just as Jesus was. Let us pray for a deeper commitment in our lives to that true Christian love that does not just inwardly desire but outwardly gives.
In what ways does Jesus describe how he loves us? What is your favorite statement in this reading? Why? If you had been present at the Last Supper, how do you think Jesus’ words would have affected you?