I have called you friends : Implications of Friendship

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Easter Season : Fifth Week :  Friday*   

*Gospel : Jn 15:12-17*

*First Reading : Acts 15:22-31*

*I have called you friends : Implications of Friendship*

*1) Jesus calls us friends*

In today's Gospel Jesus makes it very clear that, He calls us a friends and not slaves 

There is a lot difference between a slave and a friend. 

Friendship and Slavery is like a day and night. One is opposite to the another 

So when Jesus calls us friends, what are the things that we can understand? 

*2) Various implications of Friendship*

*A) Better Understanding* Between friends there is a better understanding. So when Jesus calls us friends, a better understanding about the life of Jesus and His mission will be the result of friendship

*B) Ready to Help* : As a genuine friends one is ready to help other at any time. As a good friend Jesus is ready to help us at any time 

*C) Ready to Share* : Genuine friends are ready to share whatever they have, when need arrirses. Jesus is also ready to share all the heavenly things like, peace, joy, happiness, forgiveness, love with us 

*D) Ready to sacrifice ones life* : There are many instances where friends have given their life for another, in the emergency situations. Friendship has such a power. As a genuine friend Jesus has given His life for our salvation

*E) Ready to cooperate with each other*

Genuine friends always come together, cooperate together, and support one another while doing some important works. As a good friend  Jesus always cooperates with us in our mission for the Lord 

*F) Friendship is always a lovely and energetic relationship*

Friendship always makes with energetic, creative and powerful relationship. It always makes us young and healthy. Jesus as a friend, is always energetic, creative, and very powerful in doing anything 

*G) Friendship has the capacity to endure everything*

Tolerance is a great quality in our Life. Genuine friendship motivates us to take risks in our lives and to remain peaceful in every situation

*H) Friendship does not count anything*

In friendship,  everything is free. The time spent, the  generosity shown , the service rendered and the love Shared. These things can't be counted in money. Thats why friendship is very powerful, which can't be bought and sold

*3) How is My Friendship with Jesus*

As Jesus calls us friends, what about my reaction? 

Am I ready to accept Jesus' friendship without any conditions? 

Jesus' friendship is with Human beings and not with Things. What about my Friendship? Is it with things or with people? 

Is my friendship with Jesus, dynamic or very dull? 

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*