＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊

Acts 1:15-17, 20-26

 It was during this time that Peter stood up

In the midst of the community – about one hundred and twenty in all –and he said, “Brothers, it was necessary that the Scriptures referring to Judas be fulfilled. The Holy Spirit had spoken through David about the one who would lead the crowd coming to arrest Jesus. He was one of our number and had been called to share our common ministry.

 In the book of Psalms it is written: Let his house become deserted and may no one live in it. But it is also written: May another take his office. Therefore we must choose someone from among those who were with us during all the time that the Lord Jesus moved about with us, beginning with John’s baptism until the day when Jesus was taken away from us.

One of these has to become, with us, a witness to his resurrection.”  Then they proposed two: Joseph, called Barsabbas, also known as Justus, and Mat­thias. They prayed: “You know, Lord, what is in the hearts of all. Show us, therefore, which of the two you have chosen to replace Judas in this apostolic ministry which he deserted to go to the place he deserved.”

 Then they drew lots between the two and the choice fell on Matthias who was added to the eleven apostles.

 

Ps 113:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8

The Lord will give him a seat with the leaders of his people.

 

＊＊＊＊ Gospel ＊＊＊＊

John 15:9-17

 As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; remain in my love. You will remain in my love if you keep my commandments, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and remain in his love.

 I have told you all this, that my own joy may be in you and your joy may be complete. This is my commandment: love one another as I have loved you. There is no greater love than this, to give one’s life for one’s friends; and you are my friends if you do what I command you.

 I shall not call you servants any more, be­cause servants do not know what their mas­ter is about. Instead I have called you friends, since I have made known to you everything I learned from my Father.

 You did not choose me; it was I who chose you and sent you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last. And everything you ask the Father in my name, he will give you.

 This is my command, that you love one another.

 

Gospel Reflection：

 The love of Jesus felt from the Father, He now shares with His disciples. It must have been an overwhelming kind of love. A love that overflows because the disciples afterwards hold onto their faith in Jesus.

No amount of difficulties and trials could shake their steadfast love for the Lord. This is not surprising because the Father's Love is extravagantly rich. This He poured out to His only-begotten Son. The Son in turn shared it to his friends.

That is why the real measure of a friendship with God is the depth and the breadth of our capacity to love. For what we receive is in turn what we can give to others. Those who profess to be friends of God but whose interaction with others is one of anger should check themselves.