FRIDAY, FIFTH WEEK OF EASTER
Acts 15:22-31 Ps 57:8-10,12 Jn 15:12-17
THE VALUE OF CHARITABLE PRESENCE
In the first reading we see how the apostles, the elders and the whole church community gather together in order to choose someone to carry a letter from them to the church in Antioch. Once the church had come to its decision, they acted with efficiency and courtesy. The letter was sent by no common messenger; it was entrusted to Judas and Silas, two of their own, who accompanied Paul and Barnabas to Antioch. The Church was wise in sending messengers as well as a letter. The chosen apostles not only carried the letter but their presence too. The words of Judas and Silas added a friendly warmth that the bare reception of a letter could not have achieved.
Many troubles can be avoided and a lot of good can be done if we choose to make personal visits rather than simply sending letters or messages. This is something we ourselves have experienced – the comforting visit of a dear one in times of illness, the compassionate listening of a friend in times of sadness. These acts of charitable presence bring great joy and consolation. Today, Jesus invites each of us to extend this same personal care to our neighbours.
In the Gospel passage, we hear Jesus exhorting his disciples to the new commandment of love. The love of the Lord is creative and transformative. It is not that of a master towards his servant; “a servant does not know his master’s business. I call you friends because I have made known to you everything…” Furthermore, it is fruitful; because of it, we can love others. “We love because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19). It is the enduring love of God that sustains, nourishes and inspires us and makes it possible for us to be channels of love to others, inviting them to enjoy the intimate life with Jesus. “This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.”
Response: I will praise you, Lord, among the peoples.
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