We are at the moment of the last supper. Jesus, at table with his disciples, has just washed their feet. A few hours later he will be arrested, sentenced to death and crucified. When time becomes short and the goal approaches, the most important things are said: the "will" is left.
The Gospel tells us about the washing of the feet. And it is in this light that the new commandment must be understood. Jesus first does and then teaches and for this reason his word has authority. The principle of loving your neighbor has always been present, since ancient times. Remember “Love your neighbor as yourself” in Leviticus. But Jesus highlights a new aspect, reciprocity: it is mutual love that creates and distinguishes the community of disciples.
Even today our associations and our groups can distinguish themselves from others precisely because of the mutual love that animates them. In an environment where reciprocity is a living reality, we experience the meaning of our existence, we find the strength to carry on in moments of pain and suffering, we are supported in the inevitable difficulties, we savor joy.
Every day we face many challenges: pandemics, polarization, poverty, conflicts. Let's imagine for a moment what would happen if we managed to put this IDEA into practice in our daily lives: we would find ourselves faced with new perspectives, the project of humanity would open up before our eyes, a source of hope. But who stops us from rekindling this Life within ourselves and reviving fraternal relationships around us that extend to cover the world?
Marta is a young volunteer who assists prisoners in preparing for university exams. "The first time I entered prison, I met people with fears and fragilities. I tried to establish a relationship that was first professional, then friendship, based on respect and listening. I soon realized that it wasn't just me who was helping the prisoners, but they were also supporting me. Once, while I was helping a student with an exam, I lost a member of my family and he had his conviction confirmed in the court of appeal. We were both in terrible conditions. During lessons I saw that he he harbored great pain within himself, which he managed to confide in me. Carrying the weight of that pain together helped us move forward. After the exam, he came to thank me, telling me that without me he wouldn't have made it.[1].
[1] Cf. http://www.unitedworldproject.org/workshop/unesperienza-al-di-la-delle-sbarre-relazioni-dicura-reciproca/