No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friend if you do what I command you.
(John 15:13-14)
You were about to lay down your life for us when you spoke these words, my Jesus. The Apostles could not absorb their meaning. Though you had discussed your death, they had refused to hear.
Today, we know that you gave your life to redeem us, and yet we struggle to comprehend. Your love is overwhelming.
What is your command? You ask us to love one another as you love us. Without your grace, I couldn’t love anyone, but you will strengthen me. How, then, can I obey you today?
Tomorrow, I will worship you with my congregation. I have transportation, thanks to the generosity of a couple who befriended me. I have a casserole for the soup kitchen because they were willing to freeze it for me after I made it. I cannot repay them because they do not want payment, but I can thank them and ask you to bless them. Following their example, I can find ways to serve my neighbors. We have been asked to examine what contributions of time and talent we can declare on Pentecost Sunday, and I have many opportunities. I will continue to pray and discern what is the best fit.
If I am your friend, then I want to talk to you. I have a few close friends here to whom I can recount little daily occurrences, thoughts and emotions. I can listen to theirs. There is satisfaction in just being able to relate. How much more, then, do I want to confide in you, the One who created and saved me out of your love. I am thinking of a hymn to your Blessed Mother, “Lovely Lady, Dressed in Blue” in which the little child asks, “Do you think he really cares/ If I tell him things/ Little things that happen…?” Yes, I know that you care, and I will not be too grown up, too proud, to bring you my little concerns. You are my friend. Help me to be a friend to others today.