How often do we get caught up in petty things. We decide what is important and expect everyone else to conform to our expectations. In the process our lives become angry and resentful. It's human nature. But we as Catholics are not called to human nature, we are called to the divine.
In the first reading the followers of Jesus who were raised Jewish were upset that the Gentiles weren't willing to adhere to all the Jewish laws and be circumcised in addition to following Christ. This argument was driving the community apart. And what was the answer? They were told, "It is the decision of the Holy Spirit and of us not to place upon you any burden beyond these necessities." And they went on to name a few. In the thirteenth chapter of John, Jesus gave his disciples a new commandment, to love one another. And in today's Gospel, Jesus once again stresses the importance of love, when he says, "Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him and will come to him and make our dwelling with him."
