Reading 1
Acts 15:22-31
The Apostles and presbyters, in agreement with the whole Church,
decided to choose representatives
and to send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas.
The ones chosen were Judas, who was called Barsabbas,
and Silas, leaders among the brothers.
This is the letter delivered by them:
“The Apostles and the presbyters, your brothers,
to the brothers in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia
of Gentile origin: greetings.
Since we have heard that some of our number
who went out without any mandate from us
have upset you with their teachings
and disturbed your peace of mind,
we have with one accord decided to choose representatives
and to send them to you along with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,
who have dedicated their lives to the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
So we are sending Judas and Silas
who will also convey this same message by word of mouth:
‘It is the decision of the Holy Spirit and of us
not to place on you any burden beyond these necessities,
namely, to abstain from meat sacrificed to idols,
from blood, from meats of strangled animals,
and from unlawful marriage.
If you keep free of these,
you will be doing what is right. Farewell.’“
And so they were sent on their journey.
Upon their arrival in Antioch
they called the assembly together and delivered the letter.
When the people read it, they were delighted with the exhortation.
57:8-9, 10 and 12
Responsorial Psalm R. (10a)
I will give you thanks among the peoples, O Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
My heart is steadfast, O God; my heart is steadfast;
I will sing and chant praise.
Awake, O my soul; awake, lyre and harp!
I will wake the dawn.
R. I will give you thanks among the peoples, O Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
I will give thanks to you among the peoples, O LORD,
I will chant your praise among the nations.
For your mercy towers to the heavens,
and your faithfulness to the skies.
Be exalted above the heavens, O God;
above all the earth be your glory!
R. I will give you thanks among the peoples, O Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Gospel
Jn 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.”
Meditation: John 15: 12-17
I no longer call you slaves… . I have called you friends. (John 15:15)
Do you remember how your relationship with your best friend developed? To become best friends with someone, you had to spend a lot of time with that person, confiding in him and sharing some of your deepest thoughts, fears, and desires. It’s a relationship built on trust, honesty, and loyalty. Your best friend may be the only one who knows how you got that scar next to your right ear. And he may be the only one who knows just why that confession you made last March was so important.
In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus calls his disciples his closest friends—and he wants to tell you the same thing as well! Remember: He gave up his life so that you and he could be joined together. He gave everything so that you could find rest and comfort, encouragement and inspiration in his presence—just as you find with your best friend on earth. Yes, Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, the Lord of the uni verse, calls you his friend! Isn’t that wonderful?
A slave has very few rights and little dignity. He has no freedom and works tirelessly just to please his master. But a friend serves out of love. He gives generously because he holds his friend in such high esteem. That’s how Jesus looks at us. He invites us into a sharing of respect, love, and intimacy with him. He never tries to bully us or scare us into following him. Rather, he helps us see how fulfilling our lives can be if we let his plan unfold. In a word, he loves us for who we are.
Take a few minutes today and think about who Jesus is to you. Then think about who you are to Jesus. Do you feel comfortable calling him your friend? Do you feel comfortable hearing him say the same thing to you? Let him look you in the eye today, and don’t be afraid
to look right back at him. You belong together!
“Jesus, I love you.I give my life to you, not as a slave dedicates himself to his master but as someone who opens his heart to a friend. Help me to see myself through your eyes.”
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