Blessed Guadalupe Ortiz de Landazuri
Beatified May 18, 2019
A reading according to the Gospel of John 13:31-35
When Judas had left them, Jesus said, "Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him. If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and God will glorify him at once. My children, I will be with you only a little while longer. I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another. This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."
REFLECTION: " I give you a new commandment: love one another."
The context of this gospel was in the midst of the Last Supper. Jesus had just washed the feet of the apostles, including Judas, whom He knew was going to betray Him. Jesus knew his disciples were going to scatter and leave Him alone and in fact deny knowing Him. Yet, Jesus left them the command to love one another as He has loved them. Right away I go with the image of fasting, praying continuously, sacrificing my life for another--I think of St Maximilian Kolbe, for instance, giving up his life for a perfect stranger. Are we capable of doing this if faced with the same situation? Do we have to physically lose our lives to love one another?
As we open our hearts to God, we are reminded of His daily love in the little joys and blessings He gives us. Yes, it is easy to be nice, take care of loved ones, donate to the poor. But is this all we can or should do? One way to love one another is to announce to the whole world about God and how good He is. And how can we do this? --how can we show people God's love ? How can we follow God's command of love one another as I have loved you?
In this complex world where good and evil are mingled, the best way to love one another is to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ. What present example do we have that we can follow how to do this? We are normal and ordinary people. So how do we achieve holiness in this modern world? On May 18, 2019, Guadalupe Ortiz de Landazuri, was beatified in Madrid. She is the modern example of proclaiming the message of Jesus amidst the most ordinary of circumstances--at work, home, studies and anyone you meet. People will see us in our day to day encounters. Tip your server, be patient when at the grocery store the person ahead of you is redeeming all these coupons, return your shopping cart, let someone in on your lane, keep from answering back when the person you are talking with is wrong, thank someone for their efforts in doing a good deed, smile inspite of our worries and never judge are just a few. Small acts of kindness will cause a ripple effect and eventually with time we will change as well as change the world. Eventually we will have a more intimate relationship with Jesus, especially at the Tabernacle or Adoration. Think big but do all small things with love.
May our priests be lifted up by all our prayers and may they be supported to live out their vocation of serving and saving souls.
God Bless.
