Jesus did not hesitate to give His life for His friends.

THis is the reason why He commands His disciples to love one another just as He loves them.

This act of love is Christians to emulate in their own lives.

 

＊＊＊ 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 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 ：

"It was I who chose you."

"You did not choose me; it was I who chose you." It was the custom at the time of Jesus

that potential disciples would listen to various rabbis and then decide upon whom they wanted to follow.

And so, the disciples chose their rabbi. However, with Jesus it's the other way round. "You did not choose me;

it was I who chose you." Christ, the incarnate Son of the Father, has a plan for each of us. He knows us intimately,

and so he chooses us and calls us to follow him in the context of our daily lives. Our choice is to accept or reject his invitation,

 

but,  regardless of our response, Christ is the instigator of the relationship; not us. Jesus also calls us "friends,"

and not just disciples or God's servants. Deep, lasting friendship is built upon closeness, sharing of experience and knowledge,

and love. We are to cultivate our friendship with Christ so we can know and love him better. In this way, we feel his call and his presence,

and that will make our lives more fruitful. Jesus has chosen you and called you his friend. How marvellous! How beautiful!