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Today's reading needs to be unpacked to grasp the full meaning of the Gospel. Likely, this Gospel is of the same caliber as many of Jesus' statements that were meant to challenge the people and focus on the passion of the teachings. Other examples of this model include Matthew 18:9: "It is better for you to enter life with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell." Another example is from Matthew 18:8–9, where He adds the hand and foot together: "If your hand or foot causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter life lame or maimed than having two hands or two feet to be thrown into eternal fire." Likely, these readings were not meant to be taken literally; they powerfully describe the passion of Jesus' teaching.

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Love is a defining theme throughout John’s Gospel. Not only does John emphasize God’s love for us, but he also stresses our call to love one another. In John 13:34–35, Jesus says, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples.” Loving others becomes the visible sign of our faith.

Love is also central to spiritual growth. Across many traditions, love is understood as a transformative force—one that moves us beyond self-centeredness and opens us to a broader, deeper awareness of life. As we grow spiritually, our capacity to love expands. This makes love not only spiritually significant but also psychologically essential. Nurturing stable and supportive relationships leads to better mood, reduced distress, and greater resilience.

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We have the disciples gathered behind lock doors. There they are processing their experience of crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. That is all they can do. Then God’s mysterious presence in the form of the Spirit moves these individuals to courageously share faith with anyone who will listen. There is no indication that they gained insight into their experiences, and the Spirit doesn’t offer to protect them. Only one disciple, John, would die from natural causes. The rest would ultimately give up their life for their faith. The apostles will share their faith to all people regardless of racial origin or religious background. We read that there were many people in Jerusalem from different cultures and they are able to understand the disciples. It is miraculous. We ought not be too surprised. In the Gospel that describes the Ascension of Jesus, final instructions were that the disciples are to baptize all nations.

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