Commandments Displays

Gospel: John 15: 9-11

Those who want to display commandments in schools and other public places for some reason do not include the commandment of Jesus to love one another.  Instead, the negative commandments of the decalogue are displayed and not the positive one to love.  No matter.  We have created so many exceptions to both the ten commandments and the law of love that they have no real meaning or significance anyway.  

But if we truly wish to live the commandment of love then our model to follow is the example of Jesus.  If we spend our days continually meditating on the way of Jesus, then we do not look for exceptions or ways out of loving others.  Instead, we continually find ways to expand our love to others.  Jesus never said no to healing, liberating, or feeding others.  He never excluded anyone for any reason at all.  That is the model of love Jesus set for us.

If we want to have displays of the commandments in our world, then let it be in the way in which we live our lives.  Let it be in the love we demonstrate to other people in the way that Jesus loved others in the world.  Let it be not in our constant attempt to find exceptions but in our desire to be ever more expansive in our love of others.  Let our displays of the commandments not be on signs or monuments but in our deeds of mercy and loving kindness.