Gospel
John 15:9-17
You are my friends if you do what I command you
Jesus said to his disciples:
‘As the Father has loved me,
so I have loved you.
Remain in my love.
If you keep my commandments
you will remain in my love,
just as I have kept my Father’s commandments
and remain in his love.
I have told you this
so that my own joy may be in you
and your joy be complete.
This is my commandment:
love one another, as I have loved you.
A man can have no greater love
than to lay down his life for his friends.
You are my friends,
if you do what I command you.
I shall not call you servants any more,
because a servant does not know
his master’s business;
I call you friends,
because I have made known to you
everything I have learnt from my Father.
You did not choose me:
no, I chose you;
and I commissioned you
to go out and to bear fruit,
fruit that will last;
and then the Father will give you
anything you ask him in my name.
What I command you
is to love one another.’
Reflection
In this Gospel, Jesus reveals the depth of his love by inviting us to remain in his love and to love one another as he has loved us. He calls us not servants, but friends, sharing with us everything he has received from the Father. The greatest expression of love, he says, is to lay down one’s life for friends-a love that is sacrificial and unconditional. Jesus chooses us and sends us out to bear lasting fruit, reminding us that true friendship with him is shown by loving others as he loves us689.
Reflection Question:
How can I show Christ-like love to others in my daily life, especially when it is difficult?
Short Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank you for loving me and calling me your friend. Help me to remain in your love and to love others as you have loved me. Give me the courage to love selflessly and to bear fruit that lasts. Amen.
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