You did not choose me, no, I chose you

Acts 15:22-31, Jn 15:12-17. Bonding is an integral element of a progressive and true friendship. We see this develop between Jesus and His disciples. From servants to friends and after His resurrection, He referred to them as brothers. This friendly and fraternal spirit animates their invocation and worship of God: with deeply rooted conviction; bonded in friendship and extend the same to other Christians, the new converts. After a vigorous debate the Christians in Jerusalem accepted what Paul and Peter did, as they welcome Gentile converts into the Church. Today's first reading presents us with the decision of the Jerusalem Council and the call to love without limiting the prompting of the Holy Spirit. Though some people find it difficult to adapt to the new change, yet the Council agreed that change was inevitable. They decreed that: “You should abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols and from blood and from what is strangled and from fornication.” This is a restating of the first commandment, "Thou shall not worship any other god;" a profession of faith.

Naturally, Christians of a conservative disposition would dislike the verdict of that Synod. They would grumble at the idea that traditional Jewish practices would no longer bind the Gentile converts. What binds everyone is the rule of love. Thus, in today's Gospel, Jesus calls His disciples friends to model them in the value of true love: “I shall not call you servants any more...I call you friends.” He makes it clear that each of them has been specially chosen: “You did not choose me, no, I chose you.” His ultimate act of friendship was to empty and lay down His life for us. To appreciate His friendship is to bear fruit and do our part, to choose Him as He has chosen us. To remain in His friendship we must love one another as He has loved us, befriending others as He has befriended us.

May the Lord cleanse our hearts by His truth, guide our lives by His holiness and may we do what is right and pleasing to Him! Amen!! Remain safe and have a pleasant day!!!