I have told you this so that my joy might be in you and your joy might be complete. This is my commandment: “Love one another as I have loved you” (Jn).

       Jesus says that the key to maintaining a close relationship with him is to keep his commandments. Doing this will be a source of joy and strength for his followers. One of Jesus’ commands is to “love one another as I have loved you.” So, how does Jesus love? He loves unconditionally. His love shows itself not only in his willingness to lay down his life but also in calling us friends. This closeness with the Lord is key to how the disciples would live after Jesus departs. The Divine presence would remain with them. The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus is the model of love that we should follow. When we do this we will understand what Jesus meant when he said, “love one another as I have loved you.”