Jesus explicitly calls his followers friends, not servants,

This friendship is based on his grace and desire for communion,

like a person knocking on a door—desiring to be allowed

into our lives to offer peace, strength, and renewal.

 

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊     

Acts 15:22-31

Then the apostles and elders,

Together with the whole Church, decided to choose representatives from among them,

to send to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. These were Judas, known as Barsabbas,

and Silas, both leading men among the brothers. They took with them the following letter:

"Greetings from the apostles and elders, your brothers, to the believers of non-Jewish birth in Antioch,

Syria and Cilicia. We have heard that some persons from among us have worried you with their discussions,

and troubled your peace of mind.

 

They were not appointed by us. But now, it has seemed right to us,

in an assembly, to choose representatives, and to send them to you,

along with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, who have dedicated

their lives to the service of our Lord Jesus Christ. We send you, then, Judas and Silas,

who, themselves, will give you these instructions by word of mouth.

 

We, with the Holy Spirit, have decided not to put any other burden on you except what is necessary:

You are to abstain from blood; from the meat of strangled animals; and from prohibited marriages.

If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell."

After saying goodbye, the messengers went to Antioch,

where they assembled the community and handed them the letter.

When they read the news, all were delighted with the encouragement it gave them.

 

Ps 57:8-9, 10 & 12 

 I will give you thanks among the peoples, O Lord.

 

＊＊＊ Gospel ＊＊＊       

John 15:12-17

This is my commandment: Love one another as I have loved you!

There is no greater love than this, to give one's one 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 ：

God is our dearest friend.

When Pope Francis published his encyclical "Fratelli Tutti," meaning "All Brothers (and Sisters),"

he dedicated a chapter to the themes of dialogue and friendship. He stated,

"A friend isn't just an acquaintance or someone with whom you enjoy passing the time.

Friendship is something much deeper."

 

With our friends, we can be assured that our trusted secrets will be kept safe.

Our friends are present in every significant chapter of our lives.

Some friendships are forged through love that is tested over time.

Jesus wants us to remember this: God intends to establish friendship with us.

God is not simply waiting in the heavens to be reached out to; instead, God is already in our midst,

 

like a friend who shares in our joys and sorrows as we navigate life's challenges.

God is our dearest friend who understands and listens to us without judgment.

This is an invitation for all of us today. Jesus has already invited us to renew our friendship with him.

Are we willing to respond to his invitation?

How much time will we invest in making our friendship with God more fruitful?