Locker Room Talk
It’s hard for me to get my head around the fact that this is my last eNews. I’ve spoken of my retirement in many places, newsletter, church and more, so I’m not sure I have anything different to say here. So, I’ll do what I’ve normally done, which is to reflect on the lessons for Sunday.
I’ve chosen different lessons for this week, so we’ll not be reading the lessons assigned for the day. The Gospel reading (John 15:9-16, click here to read it) comes from Jesus’ time preparing the disciples for his departure. I trust that my departure will not be so dramatic, but I think the principles are helpful.
I often think of this section of John as Jesus’ locker room talk with the disciples. What did Jesus want them to have foremost in their minds as they prepared for life without his immediate presence? He was quite clear:
“This is my commandment,
that you love one another
as I have loved you.”
John 15:12
Sounds pretty simple and straightforward, but it is actually one of the hardest things Jesus asked us to do. Remember how Jesus loved us! Completely self-giving and sacrificial. Utterly unconcerned with status, reputation, wealth, acclaim.
Alas, we in the church have not always scored well on sacrificial love. Most of us come to church looking to get our needs met. Good needs, necessary things. Growth in Christ, learning, worship service, encouragement, prayer, fellowship, etc. I pray that those needs are met, in the church and at St. John’s!
But here’s the kicker: the degree to which we will find these needs met is precisely the degree to which we love one another as Jesus has loved us. If you show up like its a customer service, that’s what you’ll get.
If you show up ready to love and be loved, that’s what you’ll get (well, not always, we’re not perfect, but definitely more!)
Honor my memory by loving one another. Move past any failures by loving one another better.
If you do this, I promise that you will find yourself closer to one another and closer to God!
This column appeared in the June 30, 2024 edition of St. John’s eNews. Click here for the complete issue.
If you are reading this at a different time, you may click here for the current eNews.
