I shall not call you servants any more...I call you friends

Acts 15:22-31, Jn 15:12-17. The first reading reveals that quality of love existing between the Church in Jerusalem and Antioch communities, with the latter showing consideration for the customs of the Hellenist Christians. After vigorous debate, the disciples allowed the Gentile converts to membership of the Christian Church. The decision of the Jerusalem Council and the call to love without limit are at the prompting of the Holy Spirit. To reaffirm this call to love, Jesus, in today's Gospel raises the dignity of His disciples from that of servants to friends: “I shall not call you servants any more...I call you friends.” He goes on to say to them, “You did not choose me, no, I chose you.”

Jesus took the initiative to begin this friendship; He chose them as friends. If our friendship is to bear fruit, we need to do our part. We need to choose Him as He has chosen us. We need to remain in His love and friendship. That will entail loving one another as He has loved us, befriending others as He befriends us. A self-sacrificing love which seeks nothing for oneself but only the well-being of the other. Today, we are challenged to reciprocate and replicate His love in the world: "Love is patient, kind and without envy. It is not boastful or arrogant. It is not ill-mannered, nor does it seek its own interest. Love is not provoked to anger; keeps no score of wrongs. It does not take delight in wrong, but rejoices in truth. Love excuses all things, believes all things, hopes all things and endures all things. Love never ends" (1 Cor. 13:4-8).

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