Friday of the Fifth Week of Easter
In our first reading, we see the compassion and concern of the Apostles for the people of God. When some people went out and taught without the mandate of the Apostles, upsetting the followers of Christ in the area with their teachings, the Apostles responded by choosing leaders to help them to come to true faith. They were motivated by love for them and did not want them to be overburdened so that they might live in the peace of Christ and grow in faith. We are called to act in the same way in our everyday interactions. If we respond with love, concern, and compassion to those around us instead of judgment and commendation, we will be promoting the peace and love of Christ in our own lives and in our community.
We must remember what Jesus says in our Gospel today, “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.” Can we love as Christ loves, by laying down our lives for the sake of our brothers and sisters in Christ? Are we ready to be true friends to all as Christ, who calls those who listen to his words no longer slaves but friends? Are we willing to trust in God’s compassion over our judgments? For Jesus reminds us, “it was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain.”
Reflection by Br. Placid Dale, OSB
Posted in Article for Easter, Daily Reflections