The Lord invites me to be his friend

Scripture John 15:12-15 NRSVue

“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing, but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father.

Reflection

Again, picture the Lord close to you, speaking your name, gazing into your eyes and saying ‘You are my friend, and I love you!’ Talk with him about what that means to you. Perhaps you are often lonely and unsure of yourself. Let this word of Jesus capture you.

Today’s Prayer

Lord, let me not spend my life lamenting what I have lost. Let me trust that I am your friend and let that fill me with hope.

O Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you.

Novena Prayer

Lord, work on my heart until it becomes like your Sacred Heart. Give me hope. Then, I can love you and all my sisters and brothers with the respect, compassion, and forgiveness that you have for everyone. I ask this in your name. I ask you to grant my special request during this novena (here, mention your intention). If what I ask is not for my own good and the good of others, grant me what will most help to build up your kingdom of justice, love and peace. I make this prayer with confidence in your love. Amen