Acts 14:21b-27; Ps 144 (145); Ap 21:1-5a; Jn13:31-33a.34-35

Taking up the prophecy of Ezekiel 37.27 – “I will be their God and they will be my people” – the author of the Apocalypse makes a significant change, going from the singular to the plural: “my people” now becomes “his people” ». The perspective expands, the circle of the alliance expands to accommodate all the peoples of the earth. This vision helps us to better understand the new commandment that Jesus gives to his disciples: “As I have loved you, so let you also love one another”. It is not a question of living a closed and exclusive love but rather an inclusive love. We need to love one another as Jesus loved us, giving his life for all, to gather together all the dispersed children of God. Mutual love thus becomes an attractive force to call everyone to the encounter with the love of the Lord. From this love they will know that we are his disciples, that is to say disciples of the one who did not spare his life so that all might receive new life in his love. Mutual love is authentic when it becomes a sign of this love, the transparency of this “how” Jesus loved us. Then love does not confine us in our circle, but urges us, like Paul, Barnabas, to walk the roads of the earth in the sign of the gospel announced to all.

Commentary by Comunità di Dumenza

Translation by f. Mark Hargreaves, Prinknash Abbey