Reader’s Guide: “The Word for Today” Tuesday, March 18, 2014 Read John 13:31-35 The words in today’s reading are difficult to follow. They are part of the theological reflection John has been engaged in throughout his gospel. They pick up images that have been used before, particularly Jesus’ words to his opponents that he is going where they will not be able to go. In those cases the hearers misunderstand but then end up saying more than they realize. We look further at this language of Jesus in tomorrow’s reading. At the heart of the message in today’s reading is Jesus’ plea that his followers love one another. That was at the heart of the foot-washing experience earlier. Here Jesus makes things even more explicit. Just as Jesus loves his followers they are to love one another. There is great value in the loving – but there are also other consequences. When others see how much the followers of Jesus love one another they will recognize that they are truly Jesus’ disciples. Of course the opposite is also true. The lack of love among the followers of Jesus clouds the witness of Jesus. Jesus will pick this theme up again as the story continues.