Today, Jesus gives us one commandment:  LOVE ONE ANOTHER. There it is. Yeah!  There is no need for multiple tabs and reference books.  No need for strategy sessions.  Or perhaps there is a need for a certain kind of strategy which is to be ever aware of God’s love for us so we can love one another.  Such a simple and such a demanding commandment. Jesus goes on to say that having love for one another is how he will know who his disciples are.

My understanding of discipleship continues to grow and in today’s first reading from the Acts of the Apostles we learn of Paul and Barnabas making a considerable number of disciples.  They supported the disciples by reminding them to persevere in faith which can be very challenging at times.  We all as disciples need to be reminded of the Lord’s commandment:  love one another as I have loved you.  Listening for and appreciating the love of God allows us to live the commandment to love others.

Today I am called to appreciate God’s love for me and in that appreciation show love to others in simple and meaningful ways.  A challenge I continually face is to stay in the present and meet others where they are.  How can I really hear what someone is trying to say?  How can I show patience for someone who is getting in the way of my goal?  How can I help someone feel the ever present love of God?  Sometimes showing love for another is so easy to do and sometimes it is the last thing I want to do.

So my prayer with today’s readings calls me to discipleship and to a renewed commitment to follow the commandment to love one another.  The responsibility of this commandment feels overwhelming. Shall I take that commitment today?