A reading from the gospel according to John 13:31-33A, 34-35:

31 When Judas had left them, Jesus said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him.
32 If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and God will glorify him at once.
33A My children, I will be with you only a little while longer.
34 I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another.
35 This is how all will know that you are my disciples if you have love for one another.”

Reflection: The Command to Love

Jesus is commanding us to love one another. He is not saying, “Please love one another.” That is not a request but a commandment. If we follow it, then the whole world will know that we are His disciples.

Let us note that the gospel passage above starts right after Judas had left the group to fulfill the betrayal of Jesus. Instead of being bitter or getting angry, Jesus starts talking about glorifying God and loving one another. He is God of course. He does not behave like humans do. When He says love your enemies, He shows us the way.

To love one another is not easy especially when there is betrayal. Yet this is the way to glorify God. This is what separates us from the non-believers. This is what makes us worthy of the name Christian.

At the end of each day, there is only one important question that each of us should ask ourselves: Did I give glory to God today?

Prayer
Dear Jesus, help me to love as you have loved. Guide me that I may always give glory to you in my thoughts, words, and actions. Amen.