Love one another as I have loved you

Fifth Sunday of Easter (C)

First Reading Acts 14:21-27

Responsorial Psalm 145: 8-9, 10-11, 12-13

Second Reading Rev 21:1-5a

Gospel Jn 13:31-33a, 34-35

Dear brothers and sisters, we are on the fifth Sunday of Easter, drawing closer to the celebration of Pentecost. On this day, the Lord invites us to reflect on His word. Today’s readings speak to us of a powerful and hopeful reality: God is always at work renewing, strengthening, and guiding His people, even through trials, even in the face of suffering. In the first reading from the Acts of the Apostles, we see Paul and Barnabas returning to the communities they had evangelized, encouraging them to remain faithful despite hardships. Psalm 145 reminds us of the Lord’s compassion and faithfulness to all His creation.

The vision from the Book of Revelation assures us that God is making all things new, not just in some distant future, but even now, in the lives of those who trust Him. And in the Gospel of John, Jesus gives us a clear command that defines our identity as disciples: "Love one another as I have loved you."

As we reflect on these readings today, let us open our hearts to this love that renews us, strengthens the Church, and brings a foretaste of the new heaven and new earth wherever it is truly lived.

When Jesus says, “Love one another as I have loved you” He is calling us not just to feel love, but to “live love” and the most concrete way we live love is through service.

Let’s remember the context. Jesus speaks these words during the Last Supper, right after He has washed the feet of His disciples. That act was shocking. Foot washing was a task for the lowliest servant, and yet, the Master, the Son of God, gets on His knees and serves. He doesn't just speak of love, He shows it.

This is the model of love that Jesus gives us: a love that humbles itself, a love that puts others first, a love that acts.

So, what does this mean for us?

First, it means that love is not about “how we feel”, it’s about “what we do”

To love like Jesus is to serve those around us:

– To offer our time to someone who is lonely.

– To be patient with someone who tests us.

– To forgive those who have hurt us.

– To speak up for those who have no voice.

– To do the small things with great love.

Second, loving through service means going beyond our comfort zones.

In the first reading, Paul and Barnabas return to cities where they had been rejected, even stoned. Why? Because they wanted to strengthen the disciples. They knew that love often means taking risks and enduring difficulties for the good of others. That’s service not just when it’s easy, but especially when it’s costly.

Third, love in service is transformative.

In the Book of Revelation, God declares: “Behold, I make all things new.” Every time we serve with love, something new begins, maybe not in the headlines, but in the human heart. A small act of kindness, a word of encouragement, a listening ear, these are seeds of the Kingdom of God. They bring healing, dignity, and hope.

Lastly, Jesus says, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples.” The world is watching. What will they see? Will they see a Church that only talks about love or one that “lives it” through service to the poor, the sick, the forgotten, the stranger?

Service is not optional. It’s the visible sign of invisible love.

So today, let’s make it practical:

– Who needs my time this week?

– Where can I serve in my parish, my neighborhood, my school?

– How can I show love not only with words, but with actions?

Let’s love one another “as He has loved us” by serving, humbling ourselves, and giving from the heart. This is the love that changes lives. This is the love that builds the Church. This is the love that shows the world who Jesus truly is. May God bless you