To Love is a command and not a request by Jesus

Gospel Thoughts

*Easter Season : 5th Week - Friday*

*GOSPEL -  Jn 15:12-17*

*First Reading - Acts 15:22-31*

*To Love is a command and not a request by Jesus*

Jesus says *This I command you: love one another.*

*1) Difference between the command and a request*

Command is an authoritative order given by a competent person, to be followed by His subjects 

In command there is no choice. The choice is only to obey the command and do what is commanded us to do 

On the other hand, in the request is an act of asking politely or formally for something.

It is asking or appealing the other to do something 

*2) To Love is a command and not a request*

When it comes to *Love* Jesus gives us a command and not a request. 

It means for a Christian there is only one choice, that is the choice to love 

Other than *Love* there is other choice for a follower of Jesus 

Since love is at the centre of Christian spirituality, one is supposed to love another 

*3) Why it is a command?*

First of all  God is love. So love is the only way which leads to God

Other than Love there is no other way which can lead to God

Since this is the only way which can lead us to God, Jesus gives this way as a command to be followed and not a option to be seen 

Since genuine love leads always leads to Holy life, the concept of Love should be seen as a command 

The very concept of Command by Jesus also shows the importance of *Love* in Christian spirituality

*4) It is also a indirect warning to avoid all other things which go against Love*

When a person follows this command, automatically he ceases to do other things which go against Love 

Indirectly Jesus also commanding us to be away from all those things which stand against Love. 

For example : Hatred, revenge, pride, greed, gluttony, jealousy, selfishness, anger and all other evil things 

A person whose life is governed by Love can't entertain the above mentioned evil things in his/her life.

*5) How do I follow this command?*

At times we forget that it is a command from the Lord, and we choose other things than Love 

As long as our life is governed by the worldly standards, we can not follow this command in our life 

So it is necessary how far am I able to follow this command in my life?

What are the real blocks, which come in the way of showing my genuine love? 

*6) The command of Love demands a lot of things*

To follow the command of love is not easy. It is rather difficult and at times challenging

It may demand at times the greatest sacrifice of our life itself. That is what we see in the life of Jesus and all the martyrs. 

The command of Love demands from us, the kingdom values like, humility, forgiveness, sharing, sacrifice, truthfulness, justice, sincerity, discipline, hard work etc 

There is no short cut for the command of Love. The way of the Cross the way for practicing Love in our life. 

If so am l ready to obey the command of Love? 

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*