Lent Meditation Day 24
As they reclined around the table after the last supper, Jesus spoke with the disciples about many things.
A Note from Ruth
These meditations are a reflection of my personal journey through Lent at a time when I was experiencing deep spiritual growth and learning what it means to grow in community as a student at the Academy for Formation and Mission. In part, I wrote them to process my own thoughts, but mainly to share those contemplations, because I felt they were meant to be experienced by others. My hope was to encourage others to go deep, to see God and Lent with a new perspective, and to self-reflect in a way that brings hope.
One was their love for each other. Jesus called this a new commandment. The previous had been to love God with all that they had, and to love their neighbors as themselves. This time he added a new layer, “Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another” (John 13:34).
It would soon be time for Jesus’ departure from his earthly body. He would be leaving these friends of his, and they would miss him. They would be confused. They would feel alone. Jesus knew how much they would need each other.
We can find comfort in the love of a friend. When we are confused or feel lonely or weak, there is nothing like a loving person in our lives to sit with us and to lead us toward hope when the time is right.
Knowing that we are Beloved Children of God helps us to love each other because we have that in common. We are the family of God, and while family is sometimes messy, it is a family that loves each other that can weather the storms.
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another (John 13:35).”