The Lord calls us to follow Him in closer relationship

Acts 15:22-31, Jn 15:12-17. For some days, the first readings have been giving us information on the deliberations of the Jerusalem Council to resolve the issue of circumcision of the non-Jewish converts. What followed was a historic and extraordinary decision not to enforce the age-old Jewish practice of circumcision on the converts. The rationale of the decision was “not to put any other burden” on God’s faithful “except what is necessary.” What is necessary, we may ask? Today's Gospel has the answer: Love alone is necessary. Anything contrary to love is a burden and must be cast off. Today, Jesus calls us into a new and closer relationship, different from teacher/slave-apprentice relationship. Jesus calls us into a friendly relationship based on a freely given response of love. On the night before He died, Jesus proclaims that a true friend is one who is willing to give up one’s life for another.

The hallmark of this new friend-relationship is that type of unconditional love which Jesus demonstrated on the day after His death on the Cross. From servants to friends and after His resurrection, He referred to them as brothers. This friendly and fraternal spirit animates their invocation and worship of God: with deeply rooted conviction; bonded in friendship and extend the same to other Christians, the new converts. The Lord has showed us His unconditional love, His compassion and loving mercy, that even when we are still sinners and rebellious against Him, His love for us did not change. That love transcends even the disgust He has for our sinful ways and because of that love which He has unconditionally showed us, He endeavoured to come to our midst that He may show us what His love is all about. The Lord calls us to follow Him, embracing His love and mercy. He wants us to throw away our attachments to sin and wickedness that permeates our lives. Today, we are challenged to embrace God's love and love others generously and genuinely.

May the Lord cleanse our hearts by His truth, guide our lives by His holiness, so that we will always do what is right and pleasing to God in His love! Amen!! Good morning and have a pleasant day!!!