5th Sunday of Easter

“See, I make all things new!” The theme of this Sunday is “What is new?” The Gospel tells us about the new commandment. The second reading presents the new world that will come about at the end of time when God will destroy evil. But this new world begins right now, and is present wherever there is real love. In the first reading we read about new communities founded by Paul and Barnabas, centers radiating the light of those who really live the “new commandment”.

           When we think of this new world that God is creating, we usually think of heaven. That can give us a lot of hope and encouragement right now. Certainly we will experience all that God promised us and more in heaven, but God is making all things new right now. “Love one another”. The model for coming to faith is relationship. Jesus always sees himself in relation to the Father and to others, in a bond of love. Before each of us is the command to love one another. This is not only an individual requirement, but the hallmark of the community believers. We can choose to be part of that process or we can just get in the way.

           However, through the Eucharist Jesus touches our lives with his new life and love as we come together in prayer and faith. It is only in Christ by living his life now that a new world will come to be, both now and in eternity. Without Christ we are like a lamp that is not plugged in. We cannot shine. With him we have the power to love like him, the power to live a new life, and the power to create a new world. A Christian without love is like a garden without flowers. Love yourself and the rest will follow.