Eastertide 5th Sunday May 18 2025
John 13: 30-34 As soon as Judas had taken the bread, he went out. And it was night.
31 When he was gone, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man is glorified and God is glorified in him. 32 If God is glorified in him,[c] God will glorify the Son in himself, and will glorify him at once.
33 “My children, I will be with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and just as I told the Jews, so I tell you now: Where I am going, you cannot come.
34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
In this passage, Jesus speaks to His disciples after Judas has left to betray Him. He declares, “Now the Son of Man is glorified, and God is glorified in Him.” This moment marks the beginning of Jesus’ glorification through His impending death, resurrection, and ascension. Jesus then gives a new commandment: “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” This love is not just any love; it is sacrificial, unconditional, and transformative. Eastertide is a season of new life and hope, reminding us of the power of Christ’s love overcoming sin and death. We are called to live out this love in our daily lives, reflecting the glory of God through our actions and relationships.
Prayer: Loving and Glorious God, You have shown us the fullness of love through the sacrifice of Your Son, Jesus Christ. In this Easter season, help us to embrace the new commandment He gave us—to love one another as He has loved us. Fill our hearts with compassion, patience, and grace, so that our lives may bear witness to Your resurrection power. May our love be a light in the darkness, drawing others to Your saving truth. Strengthen us to serve selflessly and to forgive freely, that we may glorify You in all we do.
Amen.