On the sixth Sunday of Easter, Pope Leo XIV invited us to reflect on the commandment of love that Jesus gave to his disciples during the Last Supper. This commandment is not a heavy burden but an open door to experiencing divine love that transforms our lives. The Pontiff reminded us that the Christian life does not begin with our efforts to earn God's love, but with the recognition that we are already loved by Him. As John 15:9 says:
“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.” (NIV)
This message resonates powerfully in a world where we often believe we must deserve love, even God's. The Pope frees us from that false idea by affirming that it is Jesus' love that gives birth to love in us. It is not about following rules to be accepted, but about responding to the love we have already received.
What Does It Mean to Keep the Commandments?
Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15, NIV). This phrase can easily be misunderstood. Some think that God's love depends on our obedience, as if it were a prize to be earned. But Pope Leo XIV explained that the order is reversed: first we are loved, and then we obey out of gratitude. Righteousness is not a requirement for God's love, but a consequence of knowing we are loved unconditionally.
The Danger of Legalism
Legalism is a constant temptation in the Christian life. It makes us believe that if we are good enough, God will love us more. But Scripture teaches us that God's love does not depend on our works. Romans 5:8 declares:
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (NIV)
The Pope warns that falling into legalism is to lose sight of the essence of the Gospel. We are not saved by our works, but by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). The commandments are a guide for living in love, not a checklist to be accepted.
God's Love as the Foundation
In his reflection, Pope Leo XIV emphasized that God's love is the condition for our righteousness. That is, we cannot be righteous by ourselves; we can only reflect God's righteousness when we recognize His love. This love transforms us from within, enabling us to love others as Christ loved us.
Jesus gave us a new commandment: “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (John 13:34, NIV). This love is not a fleeting feeling but a decision to seek the good of others, even when it is difficult. It is a love born from the experience of being loved by God.
Living Love in Community
The Church is the place where this love becomes visible. When we gather as brothers and sisters, we remember that we are part of a family that has its origin in God's love. The Pope encourages us to live this love in our communities, being patient, compassionate, and generous. As 1 John 4:19 says:
“We love because he first loved us.” (NIV)
In a world full of divisions and conflicts, the testimony of a love that does not seek its own interest is a light that draws others to Christ. Every act of kindness, every word of encouragement, every gesture of forgiveness is a seed of the Kingdom of God.
Practical Application for Your Life
I invite you to reflect on these questions: Have you ever felt that you must earn God's love? How can you remind yourself each day that you are already unconditionally loved? In what ways can you share that love with the people around you?
This week, seek moments to be silent before God and receive His love. It is not about doing
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