During this busy Spring, my young adult daughters and I found an evening to gather at my home to enjoy pizza, a movie and quality time together.  As we are in the season of Easter, we decided to watch Jesus Christ Superstar, a movie made in 1973 based on the rock opera by Andrew Lloyd Weber and Tim Rice.  We appreciated the artistry in the telling the of the story of Jesus from when he triumphantly enters Jerusalem on Palm Sunday to his resurrection.  Our conversation after the film was quite engaging.

That evening with my daughters comes to mind as I pray with today’s readings.  In the first reading from Acts we hear Peter urging acceptance of the Gentiles who have turned to God.  Peter also states that they can be encouraged to avoid idols and to follow the commandments.  In today’s gospel from John, we hear Jesus remind the disciples of the most important commandment which is to love.

Peter says to the assembly:  “He made no distinction between us and them, for by faith he purified their hearts. Why, then, are you now putting God to the test by placing on the shoulders of the disciples a yoke that neither our ancestors nor we have been able to bear? “ I can imagine the fear of the “other” running through the group.  This reminded me of the powerful energy and anger depicted by the priests, officials and crowds in the Jesus Christ Superstar film as they were condemning Jesus. They were trying to protect a way of being that had little to do with the teaching of Jesus. 

What we hear in the Gospel from John and saw in the film is the humanity of Jesus who asks us to trust God and to manifest that trust by truly loving one another. This is quite the contrast to the judgement and fear Peter heard from the group.   Jesus words to the disciples are simple yet deeply meaningful:  "As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and remain in his love.”

Being invited to keep the commandments in a spirit of love is uplifting rather than being mandated to do so out of fear.  Jesus encourages us by saying:  "I have told you this so that my joy might be in you and your joy might be complete."  What a gift to be reminded that Jesus is eager to love us.  Artforms such as film and paintings can help us enter into a story in a deep way.  As I read the words of Jesus in John’s gospel, I can easily recall the emotions portrayed by Jesus in the film I watched with my daughters.

As our season of Easter continues, I pray with these questions:  Where do I experience the invitation to feel the embrace of God’s love?  How can I live God’s commandments in a spirit of love and joy rather than through fear of retribution? When can I see the teachings of Jesus depicted in various forms of art?  What needs to happen to ensure that I continue to make spending time with those I love a priority in these busy days?

Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all you lands. Sing to the LORD; bless his name.