Friday Fifth Week of Easter

Ephesians 4:32: Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

PRAYER FOR THE DAY:

Heavenly Father, there is no way we can sufficiently thank you for sacrificing so much to forgive us. So this day, we pledge to be more like you: to share more of your kindness and grace with those who have wronged us. Today, we ask you to help us release our bitterness toward who have wronged us and we ask you to bless them on with your kindness and grace. By the power of Infant Jesus' we ask this. Amen.

Today's Readings (May 10, 2012)

Friday of the Fifth Week of Easter

First Reading: Acts 15:22-31

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 57:8-9, 10 and 12

Gospel: John 15:12-17

Colour: WHITE

Lectionary: 289

Short reflection on Today's Gospel (John 15:12-17)

True love is precious. Those who truly love give the best they can present and are willing to forfeit everything they have for the beloved. God freely paid the price for our salvation – the sacrifiice of his only begotten Son. That's the nature of true companionship and love – the wilingness to give all for the beloved. True friends will give up their lives for each other. Jesus tells us that he is our friend and he loves us whole-heartedly and unconditionally. He wants us to love one another just as he loves us, unconditionally and without reserve. His love fills our hearts and changes our minds and frees us to give ourselves in loving service to others. If we open our hearts to his love and follow his command to love our neighbor, then we will bear much fruit in our lives, fruit that will last for perpetuity. Do we wish to be triumphant and to abound in the love of God?