Love one another

At the last supper, when Judas had gone out, Jesus said, "Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself and will glorify him at once. Little children, I am with you only a little longer. You will look for me; and as I said to the Jews so now I say to you, 'Where I am going, you cannot come.' I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."
John 13:31-35

Sometimes things have to change. We are getting ready to change our service schedule and times and it makes everyone nervous. We are all creatures of habit, us humans, and we do not like our comforts disrupted. Church changes are even harder some times. We fear we will no longer feel at home and welcome.

At the last supper, at a critical time in their faith journey, Jesus gives his disciples a new commandment. They are to love one another. Their lives will change, in a few brief hours, more than they could ever imagine. And love is the single most important thing they are to do. Despite whatever changes they face, they were to love and forgive each other, sacrificing ego and control for the care of others. God invites us, when we find ourselves in the midst of change, when we feel we are sinking and losing our bearings, to love one another and we will find God right here with us. If life is unsettled, then love all the more, and God's promise peace will surround us.

Today I ask God to give me an extra measure of love and compassion. May we all remember the frightening and unsettling times in our lives, loving others as we would want to be love in those days. May our compassion and concern be overflowing, sothat others might feel God's peace in the middle of rough seas, today.

The Collect

Almighty God, whom truly to know is everlasting life: Grant us so perfectly to know your Son Jesus Christ to be the way, the truth, and the life, that we may steadfastly follow his steps in the way that leads to eternal life; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.