A Note From

Rev. Joe Koyickal

“Love One Another as I Have Loved You”

This Sunday’s Gospel brings us into the very heart of Jesus’ what is called the Farewell Discourse, the intimate & tender words He shares with His Apostles just before His Passion. Knowing what lies ahead, Jesus chooses to give to his disciples, & us, a new commandment which sums up the essence of his life & teaching:

“Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another.”

This is not just any love. It is the love Jesus lived: self-giving, patient, merciful, & humble. It is the love that washes feet, forgives enemies, & lays down one’s life for friends. And He tells us clearly: this is how the world will know we are His disciples, not by titles, rituals, or even words, but by this love in action. This is our Christian call.

As Christians, we’ve been empowered by our baptism & confirmation with the grace to grow in this radical love. These sacraments aren’t just milestones—they are a beginning. They give us the Spirit to help us live out Jesus’ command in the everyday

moments of life.

What does this look like in our daily life?

• It means listening with patience to someone who’s hurting.
• It means forgiving when it would be easier to stay resentful.
• It means choosing kindness over sarcasm, gentleness over anger.
• It’s showing up for a friend, being present with a family member, or caring for someone in need, not because it is easy, but because our Christ like love compels us.

Jesus does not call most of us to anything spectacular or headline-worthy acts, but to love in quiet, consistent ways that can change & transform hearts over time.

Let us pray for the grace this week to practice this kind of love not just in words, but in truth & action, at home, at work, in traffic, at school, in line at the store. That is how the world will know we are His. That is how we live as His disciples.

Blessings of Peace and Joy Always!

Fr. Joe