Friday of the Fifth Week of Easter
John 15: 12-17
Called to Friendship with Jesus

Today, Jesus speaks to the Apostles — and to us: “I do not call you servants any longer, but friends” (Jn 15:15).

Throughout the Bible, many great figures — Moses, David, Elijah, Mary — were called “servants” of God, entrusted with sacred missions. However, when it comes to the New Testament, Jesus reveals something even greater: For him, the disciples are no more “servants”; He desires friendship with us, a bond characterised by affection, trust, and a shared existence.

Friendship is a deep human experience. We see children, share their toys with those whom they consider as friends; as teenagers, we share our secrets; as adults, we share our struggles and joys. True friendship is born not out of calculation, but out of recognition — seeing something of ourselves in another. It endures beyond mistakes, offering forgiveness instead of abandonment. “A friend loves at all times,” Proverbs 17:17 reminds us.

Jesus is this Friend — the One who knows our weaknesses and still entrusts us with His heart. He shares with us everything He has received from the Father. He calls us dear, beloved, beyond our merits, inviting us to abide in His love without fear.

Today, let us ask ourselves: What face does Jesus have for me? A distant stranger, or a true friend? Do I welcome His love, and do I reflect His friendship to others — especially to those in need of forgiveness and mercy?

The heart of Christian life is not mere duty, but a joyful friendship with the living Lord. It is a relationship that transforms us and sends us out to build bonds of love wherever we go.
May Mary, the faithful friend of God, help us grow each day in friendship with her Son, and spread His love to the world.

Jesus calls you His friend — remain in His love, and share it freely.

© Claretian Publications, Hong Kong, China
Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica 2025