Friday of the 5th week of Easter

Theme: Friends of Jesus

In the gospel reading of today, Jesus points out the fact that we mean so much to him. He sees us more as friends and not servants that is why he has revealed everything to you and I that will help us to live like true children of God. The big question we need to reflect on today is, why are we living our life as if we were not told all we need to do if we intend to make eternal life? Jesus has given us all the path that we must walk that will help us to live our life like heirs of the kingdom that we are called to be. It is as a result of his love for you and I that made him willingly lay down his life for you and I while we were still sinners. In the same way, we are all encouraged to extend this same love to our brothers and sisters, just like Jesus did for us all. It is a difficult one, but it is also one of the ways through which we can bear good fruits, like the children of God that we are called to be at all times. God has shown us the extent his love for us can take him, by sending his son Jesus Christ to come and die to redeem humanity. What a great sacrifice he has made and continues to make for humanity. As friends of Jesus, what sacrifices are we making to continue to promote Gods love in our life and society?

My brothers and sisters in Christ, it is never too late for us to make that life changing decision that can change the narrative of our life. If we truly appreciate the fact that Jesus calls us friends and not servants, then we have to do our best to ensure that we emulate Jesus by living a selfless life that is pleasing to God and will help us to continue the good work that Jesus started while on earth. It may seem a very difficult task, but if we truly want to make it happen, it is possible; because when there is a will, there is always a way.

Today’s liturgy invites us in a very special way to take seriously the invitation of Christ presented to us in the gospel. He calls us his friends and has made everything he learnt from his father known to us. What is stopping you from living like a friend of Jesus in your life? Let us do all we can to ensure that we live like friends of Jesus and heirs of the kingdom of God. As we do this, may Almighty God bless you, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Peace be with you.

Friday of the 5th week of Easter, by Fr. Jude Ifeanyi Ifezime, C.S.Sp