Daily Reflection

A True Friend

May 14, 2021 | Friday

Beverly Dalton

  • Feast of Saint Matthias, Apostle
  • John 15:9-17

    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 may be in you and your joy may 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.

    Opening Prayer: I enter your presence today, Lord, with gratitude for your friendship. You take part in my joys and sorrows. You never tire of listening to me and doing good for me. You are patient with my faults and are always willing to receive me when I return to you. May I grow in true friendship with you.

    Encountering Christ:

    1. Friends Forever: Friendship with Jesus cannot be broken by him. He never leaves us, even though at times it appears that he keeps silent. He remains at our side wherever we go. He simply asks that we not abandon him: “Abide in me” (John 15:4). And even if we stray from him, “he remains faithful, for he cannot deny himself” (2 Timothy 2:13) (Christus Vivit). We want to be there for Jesus. We want to turn away from our weaknesses and abide in the Lord. We, therefore, stay close to the sacrament of reconciliation, which cleanses and strengthens us to abide in Christ.

    2. Love One Another: As modern disciples, we are blessed to be called to work generously to bring the message of Jesus, his light, and above all his love, to others (cf. John 15:16) (Christus Vivit). We have been given this call, but we need divine help to accomplish it. May we always allow Jesus to teach us and help us mature in our acts of charity toward others to the point that we don’t count the cost. The work is ours; the glory belongs to him.

    3. You Are Chosen: The Apostles had lived with Christ and shared in his Resurrection; when Judas was replaced, they wanted someone trustworthy and faithful to carry on the mission. They were not simply looking for a follower, but a friend of Jesus. They chose St. Matthias. Jesus chooses us to be his friends, too.“I have called you friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father,” Jesus said. May we imitate St. Matthias, so that we may truly walk with Christ as his faithful friend.

    Conversing with Christ: Lord Jesus, you are my dearest friend. I have a deep desire to be with you constantly, but I am weak. My flaws still hold me back. Help me to purify my friendship with you and to let go of those things that do not glorify you. Teach me how to love the unlovable in my life and to grow in maturity in my friendship with others as well.

    Resolution: Lord, today by your grace I will seek out a friend with whom I can share something about Jesus.

    For Further Reflection: Read more about the apostle St. Matthias here which shares the story of how he was chosen.

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