Gospel: May 8, 2026
May 8, 2026 (Friday)
5th Week of Easter
Psalter: Week 1 (White)
Ps 57:8-9, 10 & 12
I will give you thanks among the peoples, O Lord.
1st Reading: Acts 15:22-31
Gospel: John 15:12-17
This is my commandment: Love one another as I have loved you! There is no greater love than this, to give one’s life for one’s friends; and you are my friends, if you do what I command you.
I shall not call you servants any more, because servants do not know what their master is about. Instead, I have called you friends, since I have made known to you everything I learned from my Father.
You did not choose me; it was I who chose you and sent you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last. And everything you ask the Father in my name, he will give you. This is my command, that you love one another.
Reflection:
God is our dearest friend.
When Pope Francis published his encyclical “Fratelli Tutti,” meaning “All Brothers (and Sisters),” he dedicated a chapter to the themes of dialogue and friendship. He stated, “A friend isn’t just an acquaintance or someone with whom you enjoy passing the time. Friendship is something much deeper.”
With our friends, we can be assured that our trusted secrets will be kept safe. Our friends are present in every significant chapter of our lives. Some friendships are forged through love that is tested over time. Jesus wants us to remember this: God intends to establish friendship with us. God is not simply waiting in the heavens to be reached out to; instead, God is already in our midst, like a friend who shares in our joys and sorrows as we navigate life’s challenges. God is our dearest friend who understands and listens to us without judgment.
This is an invitation for all of us today. Jesus has already invited us to renew our friendship with him. Are we willing to respond to his invitation? How much time will we invest in making our friendship with God more fruitful?
