INVOCATION and READING
As the weak realize their strength;
as the poor eat and are satisfied,
God’s love abides in us.
As the stranger finds a friend;
as the family offers forgiveness,
God’s love abides in us.
As the ends of the earth know of Christ’s grace,
God’s love abides in us.
(mennonitebrethren.ca)
John 13: 33-35
33 “My children, I will be with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and just as I told the Jews, so I tell you now: Where I am going, you cannot come. 34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Glory to you most loving God!
HYMN REFLECTION
Scripture from our worship services last week and for this coming Sunday have caused me to think about how we love and care for one another, and how Christ’s example directs us. The command to “love one another” is found several times in the New Testament. So poignant in the above passage is that during Jesus’ final hours on earth – at the Last Supper – after washing the feet of his disciples – and as he is predicting the denial of Peter, Jesus voices the “new command” to love one another as he has loved them. It is through the complete submission of Christ to his disciples that we witness a love greater than none other. And it is through the atoning acts of Christ that we are made whole to love as he loves – unearned and freely given – putting the needs of others above our own. And so, we reflect today on the ways we can keep this commandment, making it “new” every day.
The contemporary hymn “A New Commandment” brings musical life to this charge. Though it is not in our hymnals, the choir has sung it several times through the years. Aside from minor speculation, no author or composer has been widely credited with writing this hymn. Verses have been added over the years, but the original single verse hymn that I first found in the Lutheran supplement With One Voice is taken directly from John 13. May this hymn offer us a stirring invitation to love… because He first loved us!
PRAYER
Bless us with Love, O Merciful God;
That we may Love as you Love!
That we may show patience, tolerance,
Kindness, caring and love to all!
Give us knowledge and compassion
That we may help all fellow souls in need!
Bless us with your Love O God.
Bless us with your Love.
– Author Unknown
Offered by Joche Wilmot, Director of Music Ministries