A Reading from the Holy Gospel according to John (15:9-17)
Jesus said to his disciples:
“As the Father loves me, so I also love you.
Remain in my love.
If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love,
just as I have kept my Father’s commandments
and remain in his love.
“I have told you this so that my joy might be in you
and your joy might be complete.
This is my commandment: love one another as I love you.
No one has greater love than this,
to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
You are my friends if you do what I command you.
I no longer call you slaves,
because a slave does not know what his master is doing.
I have called you friends,
because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father.
It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you
and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain,
so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you.
This I command you: love one another.”
REFLECTION: The best quote on friendship, from all times, comes from the best friend of all; “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” Jesus, in verse 13 of today’s Gospel. This friendship, which Jesus offered to His disciples, it is the same friendship he offers us today, tomorrow and always. It’s a friendship with God, in which we don’t need to choose Him–God has already chosen us. Why? Because we’re ‘holy and without fault’? No! Because we are likeable? No! He chose you, me and everyone else, before the world was ever made, simply, because He loves us. And why does He love us? This short question, is among the most profound questions, ever asked. And no human, would ever be able to answer it sufficiently. However, one thing is certain, God does not love us, because we are lovable, or because we deserve His love. If anything, the opposite is true. Our innermost beings are so corrupted by sin, that even though we don’t realize, the extent to which sin has tainted us, He still loves us.
Jesus’ teaching in today’s Gospel, emphasizes the theme of love, and the relationship between us and God. And Jesus clarifies that friendship in His commandment, to love one another as He loves us. Jesus’ words, underscore the depth and commitment, essential, in true friendship, which goes beyond surface-level interactions. It involves; obedience, mutual respect, and a willingness to sacrifice for one another.
Today, we celebrate the Feast of Saint Matthias, Apostle. He was chosen, to take the place of the fallen Judas, so that the elect number of the apostles, might be complete. A choice, therefore, was to be made, of one among those, who had been their companions, from the beginning, who could bear witness to the Resurrection of Jesus, and so, Mattias was chosen. As someone who answered God’s call and served Jesus with his whole life, St. Matthias shows us the importance, of staying close to Jesus, and sharing the Good News. St. Matthias’ mission was deeply rooted in his love and in obedience, to Jesus and the Father. A mission rooted in the foundation, of Jesus words: “Remain in my love.” This is a mission, in which we too, must remain in (His love), because a mission without love, becomes simple duty, but a mission with love, becomes, a joyful witness.
Jesus calls each of us, to spread His message of love, and offer the unconditional friendship, He teaches us in today’s Gospel; obedience, mutual respect, and a willingness to sacrifice for one another. We are each a gift of God—just as Matthias’ name signifies. Therefore, as friends of Jesus, may we respond generously to His call, and bear fruit, that endures.
ACTION FOR THE DAY: Take time today, from the business of your day, to pause for a few minutes, and in the silence of your heart, reflect by asking God; “how and with whom, do I need to embrace sacrificial love, experiencing the friendship of Christ and the courage of St. Matthias?”
AUDIO REFLECTION:
