In today’s scripture (Revelation 21:1-5) we hear from St. John as he describes his apocalyptic vision of a “new heaven and new earth” – a world where the “old order has passed away”.

In some respects we are called to help make this new world a reality right here and now.  We are called to help God’s Kingdom break through into our world.  We are called to help bring an end to the “old order” where selfishness, indifference, and hatred, trump compassion, forgiveness, and love.

And how do we help bring about this new order?

Jesus tells us how in today’s gospel reading (John 13:31-35) – commanding us to “love one another as I have loved you”.

And what is this love that Jesus speaks of?

When we consider what Jesus did for us we realize that he is speaking of a love that compels us to empty ourselves for the sake of another – to put the other before the self.  This is the essence of the love Jesus speaks of.  Jesus speaks of the love that he lived out – a true selfless love where one is willing to labor, sacrifice, and even suffer for the sake of another.

Now, taking on this type of disposition is not easy, and in some ways even goes against our human inclination.  But that is just the point.  It is our human inclination that permeates the “old order”. It is God’s love – and our imitation of that love – that will permeate the new order.

So we look to Jesus as our model and we invite God’s Spirit into our hearts so that we might more and more come to love as God loves.  With God by our side, and with His grace working in us, we forge ahead as we help God bring about a new order of true selfless love.