I love to entertain. When I moved into my house last summer, I envisioned the dinner parties I wanted so clearly. I saw myself greeting people at the door as they came in, taking their coats. I saw myself in the kitchen cooking while we caught up. I saw us sitting around a warmly lit table while we laughed.

For me, love is showing hospitality and providing a safe and inviting space for those close to me. I learned this from my parents, who hosted their friends for dinner parties throughout my childhood. My parents’ love for their friends was always tangibly demonstrated and appreciated.

My own dreams came to reality when I hosted a dinner for those dearest to me a few nights before we all left town for Christmas. It is one of the most endearing memories I have to date, complete with all the love that I had previously envisioned.

I feel the same way when reading this gospel passage as when I think about that Christmas dinner. Jesus carefully explains to his followers the love that he has for them. I don’t feel this is an exuberant or boisterous moment. I hear it as tender words around a dinner table, but with just as much intensity.

Jesus establishes that these people are more than disciples; they are truly friends and companions. His love for them extends far beyond teacher and student. Jesus passes down this love from his Father in a way that invites us to know Christ truly. And just as Jesus loves us, so are we invited to love and know others in the same way.