The Pearl of the Gospel: Short Reflections on Reciprocal Love

In Trent during World War II, Chiara Lubich was with her friends, and a bombing raid began. They couldnt make it to the bomb shelter, so they took cover in the cellar. Convinced that they were going to die in that moment, Lubich asked: Is there something we could do right now at the moment of our death that would be especially pleasing to God? They opened the Gospel and read: This I command you: that you love one another. So, these friends made a pact among themselves, promising to love one another as Jesus had loved them. While some Christians emphasize the apostolic mandate to go out and preach to all nations, baptizing them, Lubich emphasized Johns mandate: This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. (John 13:35) These excerpts from her writings reflect the deep union with God that Lubich experienced individually and as part of the Body of Christ as she put this pearl of the Gospel into practice.