“It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you
and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain.”

John 15:16

John 15:12-17

Reflection

Jesus commands his disciples to love another as he loves them. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. Jesus calls them friends, for he chose them and appointed them to go and bear fruit that will remain in the world.

What Jesus spoke is indeed true – the fruit the disciples bore in spreading Jesus’ message has remained, and will continue to do so until the end of time. The global reach of the apostolic message has transformed the world. Just as Christ chose his original disciples to proclaim the good news, Christ chooses you today for a special mission.

Each person has a unique calling from God, a unique way in which to proclaim his love to those we encounter. If we embrace the love Jesus has for us, it becomes easier to love others. Let us listen to our Lord – follow his commands, love him, and do his will in our lives as best we can.

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Saint of the Day

St. Peter of Tarentaise: 1102 – 1174

St. Peter of Tarentaise was a Cistercian monk, who became an abbot and also a bishop. He was known for reforming his diocese, and although he left to become a lay brother at one point, returned to his duties and helped the poor. St. Peter of Tarentaise, pray for us!