It is 24th April 2016. The Fifth Sunday of Easter. The readings are from Acts 14:21-27; Revelations 21:1-5; and the Gospel from John 13:31-35. In the first reading, the apostles Paul and Barnabas injecting new spirit in to the believers to persevere in their faith. New things begin to happen when someone is willing to go through a bit of inconveniences and discomfort for the sake of Jesus. The Responsorial Psalm sings, “I will praise your name forever, my king and my God.” (Ps.145:1). In the second reading, we are expected to build a new heaven on earth. When we begin to live in love, forgiveness, charity, dying to self, selfishness, and sinfulness, we are building a new heaven and a new earth. Creating a peaceful and joyful spaces in every nook and corner of our existence is our vocation. The Bible begins with creation and ends with new creation. We too need to create and to re-create in every move of our lives. Newness comes through Jesus the Risen Lord when we are with God, sins forgiven and imitating Christ in all we do and say. God alone can create such new spaces of love, and service. “God himself will always be with them as their God. God will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there shall be no more death or mourning, crying or pain, for the old order has passed away… I make all things new.” (Rev.21:3, 4). The Gospel invites us to love others like Christ loved us. The Christ-like love is the new ingredient for the bruised humanity. Bickering, jealously, and division must not overtake the love like that of Christ in us. Christ-like love attracts the nonbeliever to the community of believers. Our identification has to be seen the way we love one another. When love loses its place in the church, then all things are just outward, empty and meaningless show. Love is mightier than betrayal, denial and all kinds of human weaknesses and abuses. Christian life will be suffocated in the absence of sacrificial love. “Love one another. As I have love you, so you must love one another.” (Jn.13:34). Let us overcome our fears by loving one another. Have a good day.