This passage is from today’s reading – 2nd John 1:5-6 (USCCB):
But now, Lady, I ask you, not as though I were writing a new commandment but the one we have had from the beginning: let us love one another.
For this is love, that we walk according to his commandments; this is the commandment, as you heard from the beginning, in which you should walk.
Let us love one another. It is easy to idealize this commandment in our minds because at first glance, it doesn’t seem difficult. Even the world recognizes the importance of love. Yet how many of us truly love others with the unconditional love of Christ? How many of us can look someone in the face who has deeply hurt us and say, “I forgive you”?
In fact, we are powerless to follow this commandment without the love of Christ in our own hearts. When we love others as He commands, it is only because His love is flowing through us. Without Him, our love is imperfect and subject to our emotions.
So let us remain in Him and ask Him daily for the power to love others no matter how painful or difficult.
Jesus, I know that in and of myself, I cannot love others as You have commanded.Thank you for loving me, an unworthy sinner. Please give me the power to love everyone I encounter, especially those who have offended me and caused me great pain. Help me to see Your face in each and every encounter. May I always show forth Your love and mercy. Amen.