Gospel Reading: John 15:15 (KJV)
‘Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.’
In this verse, Jesus elevates the relationship with his followers from servants to friends. He shares his knowledge and heart with us, inviting us into a deep and intimate friendship. This passage encourages us to reflect on the significance of being called friends by Jesus and the responsibilities and blessings that come with such a relationship.
Prayer
Dear Jesus, Thank you for the gift of friendship, especially the friendship you offer to me. Help me to be a true friend to others, reflecting your love, kindness, and compassion in all my interactions. Guide me to support and uplift my friends, just as you support and uplift me. May our friendships be rooted in your love, growing stronger with each passing day. Let me be a source of encouragement, understanding, and joy to those I hold dear. Teach me to cherish and nurture these relationships, recognizing them as precious gifts from you. Amen.
Personal Reflection
- Reflect on a friendship that has had a significant impact on your life.
- How can you be a better friend to those around you?
- What qualities do you value most in a friend?
Meditation: Prayer and Gospel
John 15:15 highlights the profound shift in our relationship with Jesus—from servants to friends. This friendship is characterized by openness, mutual understanding, and deep connection. Jesus shares his knowledge and heart with us, inviting us into a relationship built on love and trust.
Jesus calling us friends signifies a closeness that goes beyond mere duty or obligation. It is a relationship where we are known and loved for who we are. This friendship is grounded in honesty, vulnerability, and mutual respect. As friends of Jesus, we are invited to share our lives with him, knowing that he cares deeply about every aspect of our existence.
Reflecting on this verse, we are encouraged to consider the friendships in our own lives. True friendship mirrors the qualities of Jesus’ friendship—selflessness, loyalty, and unconditional love. It is a relationship where we support, uplift, and encourage one another. In times of joy and sorrow, a true friend is present, offering comfort and companionship.
Jesus’ example of friendship sets a high standard for us to follow. It challenges us to be intentional in our relationships, prioritizing the well-being of our friends. This involves active listening, empathy, and acts of kindness. It means being there for our friends in times of need and celebrating their successes with genuine joy.
The friendship Jesus offers also brings a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Knowing that we are friends of Jesus gives us confidence and assurance. It reminds us that we are not alone, that we are valued and cherished. This friendship empowers us to extend the same love and care to others, creating a ripple effect of positivity and connection.
In practical terms, living out Jesus’ friendship involves being proactive in nurturing our relationships. This can include regular communication, spending quality time together, and offering support during challenging times. It also means being willing to forgive and seek reconciliation when conflicts arise.
Being a friend like Jesus also means being an advocate and a source of strength. It involves standing by our friends, encouraging them in their pursuits, and helping them to grow in their faith. This type of friendship fosters a sense of community and belonging, where everyone feels seen, heard, and appreciated.
As we strive to embody Jesus’ friendship, we draw inspiration from his example and his teachings. Practices like prayer, reflection on Scripture, and participation in a faith community help us stay connected to Jesus’ love and guidance. These practices remind us of the importance of friendship and encourage us to cultivate relationships that reflect Jesus’ love.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, Thank you for calling me your friend. Help me to be a faithful and loving friend to others. When I struggle to show kindness or patience, remind me of your example. Fill my heart with your love, and let it overflow to my friends. Guide my words and actions to reflect your friendship in every interaction. May my friendships be a testament to your love and grace. Thank you for the gift of friendship and for the friends you have placed in my life. Amen.
Scripture: Proverbs 17:17 (KJV)
‘A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.’
Final Blessing
May the God of love and friendship bless your relationships. May you experience the joy and strength of true friendship, and may your friendships reflect the love of Jesus. Amen.
In the Bible, a miracle is an event that is not explicable by natural or scientific laws and is therefore attributed to a divine agency. Miracles are often seen as a sign of the intervention of God in the affairs of human beings. In the Old Testament, the most famous miracles are the Ten Plagues of Egypt, in which God punished the Pharaoh for refusing to release the Israelites from slavery, and the parting of the Red Sea, in which God allowed the Israelites to escape from the pursuing Egyptians by opening a path through the sea. In the New Testament, the miracles of Jesus are a central part of his ministry and are seen as evidence of his divinity. These include healings, such as the restoration of sight to the blind and the raising of the dead, and acts of nature, such as turning water into wine and walking on water. Is There A Theological Significance To Jesus’ Miracles? In the Christian tradition, the miracles performed by Jesus are seen as a manifestation of his divinity and as proof of his authority to teach and heal. Many of these miracles are described in the Gospels of the New Testament, which are the primary source of information about the life and teachings of Jesus. The purpose of the miracles, according to the Gospels, was to demonstrate Jesus’ power over natural forces and to show that he had the authority to forgive sins and offer salvation to those who believed in him. Why Did Jesus Ask To Keep His Miracles Secret? ‘Tell No One Of This.’ In the Gospels, there are a few instances where Jesus tells people not to tell others about what he has done for them. For example, in the Gospel of Matthew, after Jesus healed a man who was possessed by demons, he told the man, ‘See that you tell no one anything, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift that Moses commanded, as a proof to them’ (Matthew 8:4). In this case, it seems that Jesus was concerned that the man’s testimony might not be believed or might be misunderstood, and so he asked him to keep the experience to himself for the time being. It is difficult to say for sure why Jesus might have asked someone to keep quiet about a miracle without knowing the specific context in which the request was made. However, some possible reasons that come to mind include: To avoid drawing unnecessary attention to himself. In the Gospels, Jesus often tries to avoid drawing too much attention to himself, especially from the authorities who are hostile to him. Asking someone to keep quiet about a miracle might be one way of avoiding unwanted attention and allowing Jesus to continue his ministry without interference. To allow the person who was healed to experience the transformation for themselves. In some cases, the person who was healed might have been skeptical or unsure of what had happened to them. Asking them to keep quiet about the miracle might have given them time to reflect on the experience and come to their own understanding of it without being influenced by others. To test the person’s faith. In some cases, Jesus might have asked someone to keep quiet about a miracle as a test of their faith. If they were truly grateful for what Jesus had done for them, they would be willing to follow his instructions and trust that he had a good reason for asking them to keep quiet. These are just a few possible reasons why Jesus might have asked someone to keep quiet about a miracle. It is important to remember that the Gospels are ancient texts and that we must be careful not to impose our own interpretations on them without considering the historical and cultural context in which they were written. To avoid creating conflict or division. In the Gospels, Jesus often encounters people who are skeptical or hostile to his teachings, and he sometimes tries to avoid confrontations with them. Asking someone to keep quiet about a miracle might be one way of avoiding a confrontation or a heated debate that could disrupt his ministry. To avoid being misunderstood or misrepresented. In some cases, the person who was healed might not have understood the full significance of what Jesus had done for them, and they might have tried to explain it in a way that distorted or misrepresented the truth. Asking them to keep quiet might have given Jesus time to explain things to them more fully and help them to understand the true meaning of the miracle. To avoid becoming a spectacle. In the Gospels, there are many instances where people are amazed by the miracles that Jesus performs, and they often try to make him into a kind of celebrity or showman. Asking someone to keep quiet about a miracle might have been one way of avoiding this kind of attention and keeping the focus on the message that Jesus was trying to convey. What Is The Significance Of Miracle Of The Wedding At Cana? In the Christian tradition, the wedding at Cana is significant because it is the first of the miracles performed by Jesus that is recorded in the Gospels of the New Testament. This event is described in the Gospel of John, where it is said that Jesus, along with his mother Mary and his disciples, attended a wedding in the town of Cana. At the wedding, the host ran out of wine, and Mary asked Jesus to help. In response, Jesus turned water into wine, which is seen as a miraculous act that demonstrated his power and authority. In the Gospel of John, after Mary asks Jesus to help with the wine at the wedding in Cana, he replies, “Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come” (John 2:4). This statement is often seen as indicating that Jesus was aware […]
Saint Raphael the Archangel is one of the three named angels in the Bible, alongside Gabriel and Michael. Saint Raphael is a significant figure in Judeo-Christian tradition, recognized for his role as a healer and protector. In the Book of Tobit, an ancient Jewish text, Saint Raphael is portrayed as a guide and companion to the protagonist Tobit, helping him overcome various challenges and ultimately bringing about his healing [ … ]
Saint Aelred was a 12th-century Cistercian abbot who lived within a spiritual tradition that emphasised both community life and the inner journey to God. His reflections on friendship are deeply shaped by Cistercian ideals of caritas—a love that is disinterested, holy and rooted in the life of Christ. Unlike worldly friendships based on advantage or pleasure, spiritual friendship seeks what is good for the other in God. It is a school of charity, a training ground for grace [ … ]
