The Logic of Friendship

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Easter Season: Seventh Week : Tuesday*

*Gospel : Jn 15:9–17*

*First Reading : Acts 1:15–17, 20–26*

*The Logic of Friendship*

*1) You are my friends*

In today's Gospel Jesus speaks about the aspect of friendship

Friendship is one of the beautiful relationship that exists among the Human beings 

Friendship makes our life meaningful and joyful

Jesus entering into a friendship relationship with us, is a special privilege, which makes us very close of Jesus 

*2) The Foundation of the Friendship*

There must be a good leader among the friends 

There must must be openness among the friends

They must be able to listen to one another and respect one another 

In today's Gospel Jesus says, *You are my friends if you do what I command you.*

Friends of Jesus must do what the master tells 

Since Jesus is the best leader, others must listen to Him and do whatever he tells others 

By doing whatever Jesus tells us, we can become best friends of Jesus 

*3) The Command of Jesus*

To become friends of Jesus we must do what Jesus commands us. In this context what is the command of Jesus to us 

Jesus tells us, forgive others, and you will be forgiven

Give to others and you will be given much more than you give to others 

Don't judge others and you will not be judged 

Pray always, so you may not fall into temptation

Treat people the same way you want them to treat you,

Love others as you love yourself 

These are some of the important things which Jesus commanded us to do. By doing thses we become the friends of Jesus 

*4) Advantage of Jesus' friendship*

When we are friendly with some one we become very close to them. So here we become close to Jesus 

Secondly, most of the times we admire our friends and ready to do anything for them. Here we not only admire Jesus but ready to do whatever Jesus tells us 

Thirdly, when are friendly with others, our work is done very quickly. By being friendly with Jesus, the work of accomplishing our mission and going to heaven can be achieved easily 

Friends always like to stay together. By being friendly with Jesus we can always stay together with Jesus 

*5) The need of becoming friends of Jesus*

We have a definite mission for our life. This mission can be achieved by being friendly with Jesus 

Only Jesus knows the way to Heaven. Jesus shows this way to all those who are friendly with him 

By being friendly with Jesus we lose nothing, but gain many things, and we move in the right direction 

Without being friendly with Jesus we can't live our Christian life effectively. 

So we need the friendship of Jesus 

Am I friendly with Jesus? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*