You did not choose Me, I chose you

Acts 15:22-31, Jn 15:12-17. According to today’s first reading, the Christians in Jerusalem accepted the conclusion reached at the Jerusalem Council, by welcoming Gentile converts into the Church. Both the decision of the Council and the call to love without limit were done at the prompting of the Holy Spirit. Some people reject the change as opposite to fidelity. Yet the Jerusalem Council agreed that change was needed. They decreed that “It is the decision of the Holy Spirit not to lay any burden beyond that which is strictly necessary.”

Turning to today’s Gospel, raises the status of the disciples to that of friends: “I shall not call you servants any more, I call you friends.” He makes it clear that each of them has been specially chosen: “You did not choose me, no, I chose you.” It was His initiative that began this friendship; He chose to befriend us and tells us what is most personal to Him, His relationship with the Father. He has given His all, but if this radical friendship is to bear fruit, we also need to do our part, to choose Him as He has chosen us. To remain in His friendship we must love one another as He has loved us, befriending others as He has befriended us.

May the Lord stand by us in His saving work and stay with us in our gifts of grace! Amen!! Have a pleasant day!!!