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 5^th Sunday of Easter, Year C: Homily by Fr Isaac Chima

Love: The True Christian Identity and its Transformative Impacts.

Readings: Acts 14:21b-27; Rev. 21:1-5a; John 13:31-33a,34-35

Dear friends in Christ, the scripture readings for this fifth Sunday of Easter reveal the true identity of Christians and the potential impact of embodying this identity. It is widely recognized that every organization possesses a unique identity, a hallmark that sets it apart from others. This distinguishing factor shapes its mission, values, culture, and activities. Similarly, each nation has its identity, often represented through symbols such as flags, coats of arms, and languages. Individuals also exhibit distinguishing traits reflected in their cultures, languages, attire, food, and hairstyles.

For centuries, Christians have developed various methods to express their identity to the world, demonstrating their affiliation with the body of Christ and distinguishing themselves in any setting. For instance, church hierarchies such as Cardinals, Bishops, priests, and religious figures wear distinctive attire that makes them recognizable among the crowd. Additionally, lay Christians have often shown their affiliations within the church through uniforms and badges. Furthermore, some individuals are frequently recognized as followers of Christ by the crosses or medals they wear around their necks and the Bibles they carry. These symbols have played a significant role in helping the world recognize those who belong to Christ.

Nevertheless, the use of uniforms, the displaying of crosses or medals, and the carrying of Bibles do not adequately convey the true identity of Christians, as the saying goes, 'the hood does not make a monk' (Calcullus non facit monachum). Shakespeare's assertion is true, as uniforms can be changed at any moment and in any place. Therefore, uniforms alone are insufficient as distinguishing factors for Christians, as they fail to fully represent or convey our identity to the world.

Consequently, today's gospel emphasizes a higher factor that should define our identity in the world, an identity that Christ himself has endorsed. This identity is known as Love. In today's gospel, Christ says, 'A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.' Therefore, beloved friends in Christ, love serves as our identity, our hallmark, the unique characteristic that Christ intended for his followers, and this love must reflect the same depth of love that Jesus has for us. We are all aware of the nature of Jesus' love for us; it is a love that contemplates the cross, a love that inspires one to make sacrifices for the well-being of others.

Dear friends, it is imperative to recognize that without mutual love, we cannot effectively demonstrate to the world our affiliation with Christ. Our Christian identity diminishes in the presence of hatred towards others. We lose our likeness to God when we neglect to love as Jesus loved. We cease to represent Christ in the world when we harbour animosity towards our neighbours, friends, and others.

In the Acts of the Apostles, it is recorded that the followers of Jesus were first referred to as Christians in Antioch. This happened after the citizens of Antioch observed the profound love with which Christians treated one another. The early Christians were characterized by their vibrant love, exemplified by their willingness to serve the needy through communal sharing of their possessions. Love was, indeed, their defining trait. Numerous passages in the Acts of the Apostles illustrate love in action among these early believers, with today's first reading being a notable example. It recounts how Paul and Barnabas dedicated time to visit the early churches they had founded, aiming to strengthen and encourage them in their faith while sharing the message of God's love. In this passage, Paul and Barnabas instruct us on the importance of supporting our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ with love. We are encouraged to maintain close connections through visits and phone calls, motivating them to remain steadfast in their faith. Such expressions of love can rejuvenate the spirit of those who are feeling depressed and restore the strength of the weary. Thus, acts of love have a transformative impact on all who receive them.

By embracing a life filled with love, we transform our relationships, our families, and our world. Indeed, through love, we have the power to recreate our environment. God created the world out of love, and as the second reading of today indicates, Jesus continues to renew all things through love. Thus, through our loving actions, we Christians align ourselves with Jesus in the mission of recreating and renewing the world. Love is the force that brings renewal. In today's second reading, John envisioned a new world descending from heaven, a world renewed by those who have lived in accordance with their Christian identity. John also told us that God resides among them; where love and charity abide, the Lord is present (Ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est).

Dear friends, hatred makes our relationships, our homes, and our world old, whereas love makes them new. Hatred deprives us, our households, and our Christian communities of the divine presence of God, while love draws God's presence closer. Therefore, let us eliminate all forms of hatred and division from our hearts, our relationships, and our homes. Instead, let us convert our homes and Christian communities into sanctuaries of love. We should continually refresh our relationships, families, Christian communities, and the entire world through acts of love, which embody our true Christian identity. If we commit to this, God will dwell among us, and with His presence, new things will start happening in our lives. His presence will bring about transformation and renewal, making all things new.

Happy Sunday, dear friends

Rev. Fr. Isaac Chinemerem Chima