May 9, 2004; The Fifth Sunday of Easter Readings: Acts 13:44-52; Revelation 19:1, 4-9; John 13: 31-35; Psalm 145:1-9   The Rev. Dr. Hilary B. Smith To Love As Christ Loves As Jesus prepares to leave his disciples, he gives them a new commandment: love as I have loved you. This moment in the gospel account occurs the night before the crucifixion. Where Jesus is going, his disciples cannot follow, and yet his connection with them will not be broken. Our Christian faith speaks with power about the connections that exist because of love. The connection that Jesus had with the disciples could not be broken because love is stronger than death. The connection that we have with each other cannot be broken because love binds us together in a mystical union with Christ. Jesus told his disciples that they could not go where he was going. But that did not mean that their mission in his company was finished. Life was changing—not ending. Dramatic events would occur. The resurrection appearances would show the power of God’s love. The resurrection would show that Jesus’ ministry was not finished. Through these dramatic moments of "knowing" that the disciples experienced the church would be formed. The church would be formed to continue the ministry of Jesus until his coming again. This ministry based in love and hope is so desperately needed in our world today. On that final night with his disciples, Jesus could have told them many things. What did he say to those who would be so important to the Christian movement? Jesus said, "I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another." Love is more than an emotion. Love is known by how we treat each other. "Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another." Jesus loved his followers in many ways. He prayed for them. He fed them. He healed them. He taught them. He challenged them. He sought them, and brought them into a fellowship of love. We are called to love each other in these ways. The disciples might have "spiritualized" Jesus’ words about loving each other. Jesus knew that they often found his words confusing. On the same night that he have them the commandment to love, he washed their feet. It was an act so shocking, so surprising, so unexpected—to have their lord kneel down and serve them—that it was remembered. So important was this to the Christian story that every year during Holy Week, Christians around the world still wash each other’s feet. By so doing are reminded that love is known through our actions—in the care that we offer another. Actions do speak louder than words, and Jesus wanted to make sure that the disciples would understand his words about love. On this Mother’s day we can celebrate all the women in our lives who have been mothers to us. We can give thanks for all women who act in loving maternal ways to the benefit of our world. Women reflect God’s love in the world in distinctive ways. As a mother holds her infant close, so God cares for us. God’s love is known through action. God sent Jesus to bring us into a close embrace. The love that God gives to us changes our lives—how we live our lives. Knowing that love of God through Christ, we want to share that love. We want to love others in ways that make a difference in their lives. As individuals and as a church community we can make a difference. Every act done in love makes the world a better place. Every loving action that we do makes Christ known. He is risen. We know him in the breaking of the bread. Strengthened by Christ, we make him known through our words and our deeds. What an amazing task we have been given. Sometimes the darkness of the world can seem overwhelming. Real as it is, darkness is a reality that is passing away. Whenever I wonder if my efforts are making a difference I remember a verse found in 2 Corinthians (4:1): "Therefore, since it is by God’s mercy that we are engaged in this ministry, we do not lose heart." It is a holy calling to be a follower of Christ. It is an amazing life giving and life changing experience to know Christ and to make him known. Today, hear Jesus say to you: "Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." Amen.