Gospel Reading – John 15:12-17
Jesus said to his disciples: “This is my commandment: love one another as I love you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you.
I no longer call you slaves, because a slave does not know what his master is doing. I have called you friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father.
It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you. This I command you: love one another.”
The Gospel of the Lord
The Mass intention Evelyn Stevenson RIP
Reflection:
The gospel today shows us that our love for God is a love of friendship. He says: “You are my friends, if you do what I command you.” To be a friend of God is a great gift.
There are many instances as stated in Scripture where God makes friends with human beings like a man. Like for example, Abraham is called the friend of God. God speaks with Abraham as a man speaks with his friend Jesus calls his disciples his friends and not his servants.
What does it mean to be a friend of God? Friendship with God certainly entails a loving relationship, which goes beyond mere duty and obedience.
• Are you a friend of Jesus? If so, how do you express that friendship?
• How does your friendship with Jesus differ to your friendship with a one of your friends?