FRIDAY OF THE FIFTH WEEK OF EASTER - 2020

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

I call you my friends, says the Lord,for I have made known to you all that the Father has told me. JN 15:15B

ACTS 15:22-31

My Beloved, Soul of my soul,

I thank You for Holy Mother Church, who in keeping with Apostolic Tradition, preserves the unity of the Church.  

Of course, there have always been differing opinions but these did not lead to dissent and division rather, the Apostles and the presbyters discussed the issues in light of all that You taught them. Guided by the Holy Spirit they came to a decision that was for the good of the whole Church. 

The Magisterium in union with Peter's successor continues this process through the various Councils and we, her members, are bound to obey. You have given her the authority to bind and loose.

PSALM 57: 8-10, 12

My Beloved, Soul of my soul,

Presently, due to the difficulties caused by this pandemic, there is a lot of disquiet among the faithful as we wonder when our churches will open and how she will minister to her flock.

From all our experience of the Church in the past, we can rest easy and trust that the Holy Spirit will inspire her. You are the Bridegroom of the Church and You will not abandon her. So like the psalmist, we too can say our heart is steadfast as we pray and trust You for Your mercy and Your faithfulness are everlasting.

JOHN 15:12-17

My Beloved, Soul of my soul,

The hallmark of every one of Your disciples is love. We are called by Your Name and every disciple worthy of the calling loves as You love. 

Love does not compromise. There are no half measures in love. Love gives all. Love pours itself out as a sacrifice. If we have not yet loved as You have shown us, it is because we are weak, we are selfish, we are afraid of giving lest we have nothing left for ourselves, so we parcel out our love in tiny little packages. We have not yet learned what St. Paul said so well, "To live is Christ, to die is gain."

If every Christian loved as You love then this world would be transformed in a heartbeat and the Kingdom of heaven would be among us.

Thank You, Beloved, for calling us Your friends. In these times when many are lonely, feel unloved, feel unworthy of love, feel despised, and rejected, this truth ought to encourage us. You chose us and You call us Your friends.