The law of love

Father Andrzej Wyrostek
Fifth Sunday of Easter 
May 18, 2025

My dear friends, as Christians, we know very well that there is a great need in the world for mutual love. Jesus reminds us of this in the Cenacle giving us a new law — the law of love — which is the distinguishing mark of his disciples as we read in the Gospel today. “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another; even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” 

Christian love for one’s neighbor is not only a distinguishing mark of who we are, but also a sign of unity in the community of believers. It is not so much the result of sacrifice for others, but rather the deepest desire of the heart and personal gain for the one who loves. Every person benefits when they are loved and when they give of themselves. A person created in the image and likeness of God cannot fully realize him or herself except through love. That is, through a selfless and sincere gift. 

St. Josemaria Escriva states that, “the most important postulate that Christians can do in the world, the best testimony of faith, is to cooperate so that an atmosphere of authentic love always prevails within the Church and our own communities.”

Maybe it is worth starting with small steps, with small things, to see Jesus in the other person. Without mutual love it is difficult to imagine normal functioning at home, at work, on the street, or in our parish communities. That is why we often look for love around us. 

Let us not wait until it is too late to express our Christian love. Tomorrow is not guaranteed to anyone, neither young nor old, so always be close to those you love. In the small steps: tell them out loud how much you need them, and be good to them, take time to tell them those simple words, an expression of our love and trust: “I’m sorry. Please forgive me. Thank you for your kindness and your goodness and your presence,” and all the other words and love that each of us knows and can come up with. 

No one will remember you for your secret thoughts. So, ask the Lord for strength and wisdom to express and to share your acts of kindness and love so that we can live out the commandment God has entrusted to us — love one another.