Friday of the Fifth Week of Easter

Today's Mass Readings

I Call you Friends

“I no longer call you slaves…I have called you friends…” (John 15:15)

Many Old Testament figures were called “servants” or “slaves of the LORD” (See Dt 34:5; Jos 24:29; Ps 89:21; etc.). They did the Lord’s will out of obedience without full knowledge of His plan. The prophets spoke “in partial and various ways,” as the Lord had commanded them (See Hb 1:1; Jer 14:14). But now through God’s Son, we have come to know the Father’s plan of salvation through Jesus Christ (See Eph 1:9-10). Thank God! Praise Jesus!

Christian disciples are in a different relationship with God than were the original Hebrews, Jews, and other believers in the God of Israel. Jesus, the Son of God, elevates His disciples into a new and intimate relationship. He shares with us everything He has received from the Father, for we are His beloved companions on the Way (see Acts 4:13), His ambassadors of reconciliation (see 2 Cor 5:18), His joint heirs of the Kingdom (see Rom 8:17).

To be called a friend of Jesus is both a privilege and a calling. We are invited into His confidence, into prayerful intimacy with Him. But we must live as friends—loving one another, remaining faithful, and sharing in His mission.

For the Journey:

Reflect on your friendship with Jesus. Jot down three things that are going well in your relationship, and think of three ways you can improve. And you can ask Jesus, too!

Reflection by Br. Luke Kral, OSB