(Jesus is talking to his disciples):
"Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples-when they see the love you have for each other."   (John 13:34-35 The Message)

When I was growing up, I often questioned why I had to do certain things or why our family acted in particular ways. "Why do I have to be nice to my brother?" "Why do we always have to eat dinner together at the table?" "Why do I have to wear my sister's old clothes?" "Why do we have to go to church every Sunday?"

It didn't matter which parent I asked, the answer was usually the same. "Because that's how we do things in our family. It's who we are, it's what we do." I don't remember being satisfied with this answer, but it was the only one I received!

Jesus is saying something similar in the Bible text above. He is talking to his disciples and basically says to them - I love you and have made you part of my family and in my family, we love one another.

Jesus says the same thing to us as well. In our baptisms, Jesus says - I love you and you are mine - now go share that love. In Holy Communion, Jesus reminds us again and again - I love you; you are part of my family - now go love the rest of the family.

When we act like rebellious teenagers and question Jesus on this, I can hear his answer - "Because that's how we do things in our family - it's who we are, it's what we do."

Thank you, Jesus, for making me a part of your family.
Help me to love those whom you love. Amen.

Contributed by Tracie
Sunday May 9, 2010
Liturgical Year C Week 24
Sunday Gospel reading:
Sixth week of Easter