"I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."

Today is the Feast of St. John the Beloved. He is the one who recorded Jesus' command to the disciples on the last night of His life. We are to love each other just as Christ has loved us. 

Do you see the link?: Love just as we have been loved. Too many people are out there trying to love but they haven't allowed themselves to be loved first. It ends in anger, frustration, bitterness, and cynicism. Sadly, that's the story of a lot of people's Christmas with the family. Having felt rejected and hurt, it will take a year to try to love again.

To love with the love of Christ is to love unconditionally. Is it any wonder Jesus said these things just as Judas was leaving to go and betray Jesus? Yet Jesus loved Judas anyway. I am sure of that.

Love is a risk. Only those who know that they themselves are loved and accept that love can then in turn truly and joyfully love others.