What does Jesus really ask of us as one of his followers? Are there certain requirements that we need to have? Are there a number of hoops that we need to jump through? Actually, God’s requirement is simple: love God and love each other. This sounds simple, but are we really doing this?
Our first reading today (Acts 15:7-21) talks about how the early disciples were discussing who could become a member of the new church, and what was required of those new members. Some felt that it should only be Jews. Others thought that it should be open to the Gentiles but only after they were circumcised and learned the Law of Moses. Still others felt that the Gentiles should be allowed without having to first become Jews. It was an on-going fight on how a person was saved and by what means.
The Gospel (John 15:9-11) carries on the same theme of conditions to being a disciple. Again, what does God require of his followers? As Jesus said, “love one another as I have loved you.” And how did God show his love? He sent his only Son to die for our sins. Jesus lived as a human and suffered and died for our salvation. That’s how much God loves us and wants us to be his followers. He only asks that we love each other as much.
Here’s a challenge for week: reach out to someone who you struggle with, someone to which you have a strained relationship, someone who is need of being loved. Reach out to this person and make some gesture of love; for example, forgive them, compliment them, praise them for something they have done, or show some interest in that person, etc. Go outside your comfort zone and spread some love.
Loving one another seems like a pretty small price to pay for the greatest gift ever!
