Homily: Fifth Sunday of Easter (C)
John 13:31-33a; 34-35
18 May 2025
Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez, AA
It is that time of year again for graduation marches, moving up ceremonies, and recognition days. Students heave a sigh of relief for having made it through the many years of exams, projects and presentations. I know of a mom whose daughter is graduating salutatorian but she is not overjoyed because she wanted her kid to be the valedictorian. She wanted the whole school to hear her daughter deliver the valedictory address and she wanted to hear them applaud her daughter. Thankfully, her child has a nice disposition. She was happy and proud to even have made second place, considering most of her batchmates are just happy to be moving on to the next stage.
As parents, are you the same way with your children? Did you push them to be honour students and to run for the highest honours? There is nothing wrong with cheering on your children and wanting the best for them. We associate “GLORY” with winning, being the best, being admired, being looked up to. We think of it as success, recognition, or praise. However, in today’s gospel passage from John, Jesus gives us a very different definition of “GLORY”. At the scene of the Last Supper, Judas leaves to betray Jesus; then, the Jesus addresses the Eleven (11) apostles and says, “Now is the Son of Man glorified…” (John 13:31) Jesus knows the Cross is coming and yet, He calls this moment His glory because for Him, glory does not come from being admired or exalted. Glory comes from loving completely. Jesus’ suffering, Jesus’ sacrifice — this is how He shows the depth of His love. And in that love, the glory of God is revealed. We see who God truly is: a God who gives Himself fully, even to the point of death.
Then, Jesus turns to His disciples and says “Love one another as I have loved you, so you also should love one another.” (John 13:34) He explains further that “This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35) This new commandment encourages the apostles to mirror the life of self-giving love of their Lord and Master. To be associated with Christ is not just about being “nice” like Him. It is not about loving when it is easy or convenient. It is about loving like Jesus — with patience, humility, and sacrifice. That is what makes this commandment new: the measure of love is now the love of Christ.
That commandment is also meant for us if we wish to live in obedience to Christ and in imitation of our Saviour. In order for us to do this, we have to be ever mindful of how Jesus loves us, not just as a church but individually, personally and intimately. Let us think of all the mistakes we have made in our life. Let us think of all the times we have committed sins — big or small. Let us think of all our imperfections as persons. Still, Jesus loves us unconditionally! He welcomes us with love and compassion despite seeing all our faults and secret sins. He did not mind living a difficult life of public ministry for three years so He could make present for humanity the Kingdom through His teachings and miracles. He did not mind that He had to die so young at thirty-three (33) years of age. He willingly gave His life on the cross for you and me that we may have a chance at eternity in Heaven. Can we love others as He loved us? We have to try if we want to follow Him and be identified with Him.
Loving like Jesus is not always easy — but it is powerful. It transforms lives. It builds real communion. We need to realise that when we love one another this way, God is glorified. It brings glory to God — not just in heaven, but here and now. Every time we forgive, show compassion, help carry someone’s burden, or choose kindness over pride — we reflect the glorified Jesus. We make God’s love visible to the world.
Thus, today, let us commit to live this commandment. Let us love in a way that reflects Jesus. Let us love in a way that glorifies God.
Sunday Gospel Reflections 