Gospel: John 16: 12-15
Ancient philosophers from various cultures all recognized the fundamental truth about human beings - that we are inherently social beings who need love and companionship in order to flourish. Consequently, these same thinkers would create a variety of rules and guides of living in order to help human beings in this essential mission of our nature. Wide agreement can be found in these rules and guides, as well as some variations and disagreements.
In the person of Jesus, however, we have an example to follow in carrying out our vocation to sociability and love, not a rulebook to consult. The Holy Spirit is given us to discern how best to follow Jesus' example of showing love and mercy to others, how we might heal people of their infirmities, deliver them from the demons that hold them bound, and nourish others at table with our food and presence.
In following the example of Jesus in our lives we will find a lot in common with what the philosophers have to say about ethical living. But we will find in the life of Jesus much more than could ever be had in any human system. We find in Jesus the full expression of selfless love given for others and extended to all people - those we like and those we do not like. If we follow the promptings of the Holy Spirit, we will over time find our love expand to bounds we did not think possible.
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