The Gospel passage that we hear today is sandwiched between two awful moments. Immediately before Judas is outed as the betrayer of Jesus. He takes the bread from the dish of Jesus and leaves the upper room. And it was night. Immediately after, Peter is full of bravado and declare that he will never leave Jesus. Only to have Jesus announce that Peter will deny Jesus three times before the cock crows. The commandment to love burns more brightly because of the darkness of the context.
03:13 First Reading ‡ Acts 14:21-27 They assembled the church and gave an account of all that God had done with them.
04:31 Responsorial ‡ Psalm 144:8-13 I will praise your name for ever, my king and my God.
05:41 Second Reading ‡ Revelation 21:1-5 He will wipe away all the tears from their eyes.
07:13 Gospel ‡ John 13:31-35 I give you a new commandment: love one another.
