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Word To Life
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Sunday Scripture Readings: May 6, 2007
By Sharon K. Perkins
Catholic News Service
May 6, Fifth Sunday of Easter
Cycle C Readings:
1) Acts 14:21-27
Psalms 145:8-9, 10-11, 12-13
2) Revelation 21:1-5
3) Gospel: John 13:31-33, 34-35
When I was in seventh grade, not long after Christmas I remember dressing up for church in some knee-high leather boots and a "hip hugger" skirt -- very avant garde for 1968. I thought I was quite stylish and in sync with the fashion of the time (in a word, "cool"). That's why it amuses me to see boots, flared-leg pants and low-waist jeans make such a comeback. Clothes that I got rid of decades ago are now "retro" or "vintage," and they're in high demand (even polyester shirts!). Some of what's considered "new" is actually quite outdated but it's being appropriated and reinterpreted by a whole new clientele.
Likewise, the "new commandment" that Jesus gives his disciples in today's Gospel -- to love one another -- isn't really new at all. It's actually rooted in the Torah, or Jewish law, according to Leviticus 19:18: "Take no revenge and cherish no grudge against your fellow countrymen. You shall love your neighbor as yourself." So what's so new about it?
For one thing, Jesus invites his disciples to broaden the scope of that commandment. Not only are Christians to love their "fellow countrymen" or those who are like themselves. They are to embrace all people, even enemies.
Furthermore, Jesus calls us to love others, not only as we would love ourselves (truth be told, we don't even love ourselves all that well!), but "as I have loved you."
Big difference.
The danger of hearing anything spoken many, many times is that it can become stale, trivial and inconsequential, like "yesterday's news." Yet the good news of the risen Lord is that even an "old" commandment becomes new, acquiring an even broader meaning and taking on fresh significance.
Loving one another as the Lord loved us never goes out of style, nor is it finished once and for all. It is an attitude, a choice, an action that is renewed every day.
QUESTIONS:
How have you trivialized Jesus' commandment to "love one another"? In what situation or relationship are you called to love as Jesus loves you?
SCRIPTURE TO BE ILLUSTRATED:
"I give you a new commandment" (John 13:34).
END
Copyright © 2006 Catholic News Service/U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS Word To Life column may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service.
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