God Makes All Things New.

Spring is a time of rebirth. Seeds that have been dormant through the winter are sprouting. In the animal world, babies are born. Today’s readings are all about new creations.

In the first reading, the apostles report that God worked through them to welcome Gentiles into the Christian community. Their old exclusivity was abandoned for something new and more powerful. The second reading speaks of how God offers us a new heaven and new earth for all eternity. The frailties and challenges of our human existence will no longer exist. We will dwell with God in a glorious new way. There will be no limitations to our joy.

The gospel also describes a new creation: a different, better way of living. Jesus gives us a new commandment to “love one another”. With these words, He empowers us to change this world for the better. We can become active participants in God’s plan for us as we move from selfish to selfless. God will work through us to spread His message to others. He gives us the opportunity to be part of a new, more powerful way of life.