As we celebrate the joy of the resurrection, we need to return to the night before Jesus died, to be with the apostles in preparation for a new commandment and a new covenant in his blood. Jesus was bonding them in an unbreakable bond of love. The fifteenth chapter of John’s gospel is a lengthy discourse from that final meal—a final teaching.

Jesus clearly expresses what will be required: “love one another. ” He frames this new way of life as a total and complete surrender of life in friendship. There is a bit of shock in hearing that I no longer will call you slaves who do not know your master. Time of prayer and service in the Eucharist will make known the Love of the Father in our lives.

Saint Peter Julian knew that God had chosen him to guide people to place the Eucharist at the center of their lives. In his preaching, he spoke of the fire of divine love where God stirs us, penetrates us, and sets us on fire.

In our lives, we too strive to spread this fire of divine love. It requires prayer and sacrifice for the Spirit to guide our daily efforts. It is with grateful hearts that grow in our friendship with Christ.

Let us pray:

Enkindle in us the fire of your love. Open our hearts to be one in the community of believers, transforming the darkness of evil into the victory of the cross and eternal life. Amen.