Jesus explains to his first followers and to us how he desires relationship. He calls us friends and has chosen us. He gives a new commandment; we are to love each other as he loves us. Friends of Jesus follow his love commandment. Our love for Jesus will manifest in the ways we live our faith by ministering to and with everyone.
Jesus’ love is freely given. Jesus’ friends follow his loving example. Jesus appoints us to bear fruit that will last. That is a huge challenge for imperfect, emotional people.
Let us pray with St Ignatius whose relationship with Jesus allowed him to find God in everything and everyone; all are gifts from God.
By living our love for Jesus and each other, what will be the fruits of our friendship with Jesus? How can the fruits of our faith express our loving relationships with Jesus and each other?
—Adele Berthelot is a geological technologist. She graduated from Loyola Institute for Ministry (New Orleans) and belongs to Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish (in Gramercy, Louisiana) where she participates in liturgical and pastoral ministries.