Today's gospel reading follows immediately after the gospel proclaimed last Sunday, in which Jesus spoke about his relationship with his disciples. He is the vine, and they are the branches. We learnt that our union with Jesus will lead to fruitful service. Today’s reading extends this teaching to describe the kind of service that Christians are called upon to offer to others.
In John’s gospel, Jesus affirms that he is known by the Father and that his disciples will know the Father by knowing Jesus. In this passage, however, Jesus reminds his disciples that this knowledge is expressed in. Those who know Jesus well will love one another. Knowledge leads to love, which leads to action. John reminds his community that Jesus taught that love is the sign of a true disciple and, thus, a true Christian. Even more, a true disciple shows a particular kind of love, sacrificial love.
In the Greek, there are two words for love that are used in today’s gospel. The first is Agape. The second is Philia. The first word is mostly used to describe love for other people and for God. It is understood as the highest and most perfect kind of love. The second word is used to describe the affection of friendship. In this context, John appears to use these words as synonyms. The root of the Greek word for friend comes from this second term for love, Philia. By using this word, Jesus transforms the terms of his relationship with his disciples and redefines for them their relationship with God.
This reading, like last Sunday’s, is part of Jesus’ Last Supper discourse. These words are spoken before Jesus’ Crucifixion. We read his instruction to the disciples in the light of his death and resurrection. We know that Jesus himself gives us the great example of the kind of love and service that he teaches his disciples. He has laid down his life for his friends, his disciples, and us. Through his death and resurrection, we have received the grace to love others as Jesus has commanded us to love one another.
God bless you all. Fr. Henry