May 5, 2024 Daily Dose of Discernment

“This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you.” (John 15:12)

Twice in today’s gospel, Jesus tells His disciples to love one another. He also says there is no greater indication of that love than for one to lay down his life for his friends. That’s how He loves, and that’s how His disciples are to love. If our enemy is not flesh and blood, then all humans are our friends for whom we are called to die.

The sacrifice of one’s life does not necessarily have to be in the form of martyrdom but in the waiving of rights and privileges for the good of others. We can justifiably insist on the ownership of our time, talent and treasure and say we can do what we want with them. Or as faithful followers of Christ, we can share them to express the kind of love He always demonstrates. Which is a better Christian testimony?