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Dear Friend,
Through the Gospels, the Church prepares us to become disciples of today, following how Jesus prepared His disciples, including Peter. Read this Sunday's Gospel (John 13:31-45) to the family, to see how Jesus continued His teachings to the disciples.
Then, recall how Jesus first made sure that Peter loved Him before giving instructions to take care of His sheep. Recall also how Jesus told them that the sheep must know His voice to follow Him as He remained their Leader, and following Him is to follow the Father, as they are one.
Prayer and Reflection ~
Reflect on the following words of Jesus to His disciples:
"And now I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. If you have love for one another, then everyone will know that you are my disciples."
This sounded much like what Jesus had said in an earlier Gospel: "As the Father sent me, so I send you."
It is not enough that disciples love Jesus -- they must love one another. And their love for each other must be, as Jesus had loved them. This was how everybody would know that they are Christ's disciples.
This is how people will know that I am a disciple of Christ.
Is it clear to me how Jesus had loved me?
That I may know how to follow Him in loving others?
Jesus had given up His life for me. To follow Jesus is to give my life for others.
Is it asking too much for me then to go out, open my eyes and seek someone who needs me?
To send a child to have an education so as not to condemn him/her to a life of ignorance?
To give up time to share the gifts that I have abundantly received?
To convince others to journey with me on this forgotten path taken by the Twelve Apostles with Jesus?
Joe & Charito
THE CATHOLIC ARCHDIOCESE OF MANILA'S
ONLINE RESOURCE FOR FAMILY MINISTRIES
www.simbahayan.org
servants@simbahayan.org
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