In the Gospel from John this Sunday, Jesus proclaims. “I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another. This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13: 34-35) Jesus invites his disciples to follow in his good example.

Good example can be very powerful. It was one of the reasons why the early Church grew; because of the good example of the Christians. Their example of Faith, Hope, and Love attracted others to recognize the presence of Jesus, the Risen Christ. It can be the same for us also as we live out our common vocation as Catholics. Please do not underestimate the power of your good example to attract others to Jesus.

We have a wonderful opportunity to experience this as our children and young people receive their First Holy Communion this weekend. The faith and love of their parents; the dedication of their catechists; and the goodness of the children themselves has helped to bring them to this moment in their lives. As our children and young people receive their First Holy Communion, let us give thanks to God for the presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and our opportunity to receive him into our lives through Holy Communion every Sunday.

Let also recommit ourselves to following Jesus’ commandment and example in loving one another as he has loved us.

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