Today’s readings speak of the love that God has for all of us. His love knows no bounds, and is not limited by ethnicity, political party affiliation, socio-economic status, or religion. In the first reading, we hear of God’s love being poured out upon a group of Gentiles even before they had been baptized. The early Christians were people who were Jewish but also believed in Jesus, and they were “astounded” that the Holy Spirit was also being given to people who were not Jewish. Our response to the psalm echoes this fact… “The Lord has revealed to the nations His saving power.” The second reading tell us that God is love and describes the way God shows His love for us; by sending Jesus to us. In the Gospel reading, Jesus makes it clear to His disciples the measure of His love… “As the Father loves me, so I also love you.” And then He says, “This I command you: love one another.” Especially during the Easter season, we focus on the extent of God’s love for us. The love of God that Jesus demonstrated for us is virtually unheard of in our world, and it cries out to be returned…not out of fear or obligation, but out of love. Jesus makes it clear that if we love Him, then we must love others just as God loves us. If God’s love has no bounds and makes no distinctions, then ours can’t either. It isn’t always easy, but Jesus told us to go and bear fruit that will remain; not just with our friends and people that we feel comfortable with, but with people who we may find hard to love for various reasons. That is our challenge, and it looks different for each of us. Is it someone who has hurt us in the past? Is it a group of people who believe differently than we do, or who have different opinions than we do? May we all accept that challenge, and with God’s help discern what He’s asking each of us to do to fulfill His command.