Reflection for FRIDAY, 5th Week of Easter.

By

 Fr. Aloysius Santiago sdb
Director, Social Action Movement, Don Bosco Bidar

 Reflective Reading of the Word of God

John 15:12-17  

 What I command you is to love one another

Jesus said to his disciples:

‘This is my commandment:

love one another,

as I have loved you.

A man can have no greater love

than to lay down his life for his friends.

You are my friends,

if you do what I command you.

I shall not call you servants any more,

because a servant does not know

his master’s business;

I call you friends,

because I have made known to you

everything I have learnt from my Father.

You did not choose me:

no, I chose you;

and I commissioned you

to go out and to bear fruit,

fruit that will last;

and then the Father will give you

anything you ask him in my name.

What I command you is to love one another.’

Reflection on the Readings 

We know that words have an effect on us.

There is the spoken word and the written word.

A good spoken word has an echo effect in us and it also resonates in us.

On the other hand, a bad spoken word agitates us and even burns us within.

The written word has a more lasting effect on us, especially in this age of the internet where what is written may not be easily deleted or erased.

In the 1st reading, the apostles and the elders wrote a letter to the Christian community at Antioch to state their decision on the matter at hand.

That letter also encouraged the Christians at Antioch to keep practicing and deepening their faith.

With that letter were also the representatives of the apostles and elders to confirm by word of mouth what was written.

The early Church understood the importance of the spoken and written word.

They spoke and wrote what the Holy Spirit had inspired, and that word brought about encouragement and strengthening of faith.

Let us ask the Holy Spirit to guide and to inspire us to speak and write words that will have a holy effect on others.

By our words, whether spoken or written, others will know who we are and who we believe in.

In friendship,  everything is free. The time spent, the  generosity shown , the service rendered and the love ahared. These things can't be counted in money. Thats why friendship is very powerful, which can't be bought and sold.

How is my friendship with Jesus?

As Jesus calls us friends, what about my reaction? 

Am I ready to accept Jesus' friendship without any conditions? 

Jesus' friendship is with human beings and not with things. 

What about my friendship? Is it with things or with people? 

Is my friendship with Jesus, dynamic or very dull? 


 GOD BLESS YOU

Good morning. Have a nice day.