Friday of the Fifth Week of Easter
Intention: For all youth, that they might receive the love and accompaniment that they need to discover and embrace their best, truest selves.
Today’s Gospel | John 15:12-17
Jesus said to his disciples: “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.”
From the Fourth Meditation for the Time of the Retreat | Saint John Baptist de La Salle
Jesus Christ, speaking to his Apostles, told them that he gave an example to them, so that they may do as he had done. He also wanted his disciples to accompany him at all the conversions he brought about, so that seeing how he acted, they could be guided and formed by his conduct in all they would have to do to win souls to God.
This is also what you must do, because Jesus Christ has chosen you among so many others to be his cooperators in the salvation of souls. In reading the Gospel, you must study the manner and the means that he used to lead his disciples to practice the truths of the Gospel.
Prayer
Eternal Father, each day we remember your words: to love one another. Sometimes it is hard to love others when they are uncaring or unkind. Sometimes it is hard to love ourselves when we are insecure or impatient. Help us to see others and ourselves through your eyes of compassion and hope. May we love without fear or conditions, dying to ourselves for the sake of your Kingdom. We ask this of you who lives and reigns with your Son and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.