Faith Reflection

Jesus issues a new commandment, love one another (John 13: 31-45 )

The passage from the Gospel of John actually comes from the Last Supper account, as is indicated by the opening line: ‘When Judas had gone’. However, the passage is being used during the post-resurrection Easter season. The passage about being glorified can be read in this context as referring to the crucifixion that was, rather than the crucifixion that is still to come in the original setting. The reference that Jesus will not be with the disciples much longer can also be read as an indicator towards the Ascension. It is a clever liturgical use of a gospel passage out of its intended context.

The second half of the gospel passage is perhaps the more familiar section. It is a common text for marriage ceremonies. However, sometimes its selection is purely based on the use of the term ‘love’. Earlier in his ministry, Jesus was asked which commandment was the most important. He replied that you must love the Lord your God with all your heart and that you must love your neighbour as yourself. (Mt 22) The ‘new’ commandment that he issues at the Last Supper is not so much a new commandment as a variation on a theme. The newness highlights the changes that are occurring in the small group of friends. His language conveys an imperative: you must love one another, ‘just as I have loved you’. He tells the disciples – and us – that the way they behave towards one another must be with the same love that Jesus treated them. And the love that Jesus gave was the love of God for all the world. So the love that Jesus commands the disciples (us) to show one another is nothing less than the powerful love of God.

Have you thought? Love

I love my dog! I love your hair! I love that new song! I absolutely love chocolate! We throw around the word ‘love’ so casually today that it has almost lost its meaning. The decision whether or not to say ‘I love you’ in a relationship has become a major dilemma – or alternatively, just the formula that has to be said to get what you want! Jesus did not use the word so casually or so inappropriately. He spoke of love very deliberately and very specifically. Jesus calls us to share in the selfless love that he modelled and to follow his example.

Gospel Focus – God’s Love

What does it mean to love as Jesus loved? The love Jesus poured out to all was an expression of God’s love that has been poured out to all creation since the very beginning and continues to be poured out today. God’s love doesn’t keep score. When humankind turned its back on God, God’s love continued to call them back to faithful relationship. God’s love is not conditional – whatever we do, God continues to love us. There is no barrier that we can construct that God’s love cannot get around. It is this sort of love that the new commandment demands of us.

Living the Gospel – Love is all around

Love surrounds us all the time. It is impossible to turn on a radio without hearing ‘love’ used in one way or another. Love is the most common theme of songs, poetry, literature and art. Although we might bemoan the casual use of ‘love’, the fact remains that we fill our lives with the sounds and images of love. It’s easier to imagine the all-pervasive nature of God’s love when we recognise just how pervasive the commercial and artistic expressions of love have become. As Christian people, the challenge that faces us is to imbue these expressions with a richer, deeper notion of love.

By Greg Sunter

Class Masses

Week	Date	Class	Chosen theme
	Term 2 2025
4	16.5.2025	3/4 T	Families
5	23.5.2025	1/2 M	Peace
6	30.5.2025	5/6 L	NAIDOC
7	6.6.2025	5/6 A	Pentecost
8	13.6.2025	3/4 B	Holy Trinity
9	20.6.2025	3/4MK	The Good Shepherd
10	27.6.2025	5/6 O	Pilgrims of Hope - HOPE
11	4.7.2025		NO MASS
	Term 3 2025
2	25.7.2025	5/6 N	Grandparents Day
2	1.8.2025	1/2 S	St John Vianney Day
3	8.8.2025	1/2 D	St Mary of the Cross
4	9.8.2025		NO MASS
5	22.8.2025	1/2 C	Jesus’ Love
6	29.8.2025	0 L	Creation
7	5.9.2025	0 C	Father’s Day
8	12.9.2025		NO MASS
9	19.9.2025	5/6 J	Friendship
	Term 4 2025
1	10.10.2025	1/2 B	Teachers' Day
2	17.10.2025		NO MASS
3	24.10.2025	0 W	Children of God - God Loves Me

The Vibrant Parish Formation

St John Vianney Parish is excited to invite you to our upcoming Vibrant Parish Formation Series – a dynamic journey designed to deepen our parish life.

Come for one Tuesday each month for engaging sessions featuring local and international guest speakers who will guide us in exploring the five essential characteristics of a vibrant parish:Worship • Evangelisation • Formation • Fellowship • Service

Session Dates (6:30 PM – 9:00 PM):

Tuesday, 13th May
Tuesday, 10th June
Tuesday, 1st July
Tuesday, 12th August
Tuesday, 9th September

If you would like to attend, please contact the parish office at st.john.vianney.mulgrave@gmail.com

Sacraments 2025 – Confirmation & First Holy Communion

St John Vianney Parish is preparing for the celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation and the Sacrament of First Holy Communion in 2025.

Confirmation

Thank you to the families who attended yesterdays Parish Confirmation information session

📅 Sacrament of Confirmation: Sunday 17th August at 1:00 PM

First Holy Communion

📅 Information Sessions: Tuesday 5th August at 10:00 AM or 7:00 PM

📅 Sacrament of Holy Communion : 15-16 & 22- 23 November at 6pm and 10am

Attendance at one information session is required in order to receive an enrolment form and details of further preparation dates.

Mother's Day Celebrations

Thank you to all our Mums, who were able to attend our celebrations last Thursday.

It was a wonderful afternoon and thoroughly enjoyed by parents and students alike.