The passage from the Acts of the Apostles recounts the announcement of decisions taken regarding Mosaic law and the Gentiles. The Psalm selection is an expression of trust and praise for God. In the Gospel Jesus at the Last Supper speaks about love.

The first reading shows guidance by the Spirit overcoming the demands of tradition. This was a critical event in in Church History. Would individuals need to follow Mosaic Law as part of becoming Christian? Today’s passage from Acts centers on the delivery of outcome of the Council of Jerusalem that the Gentiles can experience salvation basically just as they are.

The Psalm is a hymn of praise. The preceding portion of the Psalm is concerned with deliverance from enemies. This gives a bit of context to the expressions of trust in and gratitude to the Lord.

In the Gospel, Jesus speaks on love giving the command to “love one another as I love you”. He specifically addresses the Apostles as friends (as opposed to slaves). This wording gives me a bit of insight. This presents a different relationship than would the terms “slave”, “servant’’ or “handmaid”. Scripture scholars note that Moses, Joshua and David were called servants of God, while Abraham was called a friend of God. I have heard the early Jesuits referred to as “Friends in the Lord” (rather than “Friends with the Lord”). My personal reflection has always drawn me in the direction of being a servant of the Lord, rather than a friend. Perhaps there is not so much different in terms of how these perspectives manifest themselves, when Jesus explains “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

My prayer today is drawn to two somewhat diverse thoughts.

Dear Lord,

Imagining myself as part of the crowd in Antioch, the Church’s messengers gave me a sense of something more than a doctrinal statement; it left me with a sense of empathy on the part of the Church. I know that I am opinionated. I pray that that I am able to both share and continue to experience that same sense today.

Speaking with a “human friend” this morning, I confirmed that I was far from being alone in experiencing a sense of unworthiness in thinking of You as a friend. Like the Psalmist I experience gratitude for Your gifts on a daily basis. I ask myself is friendship something to be sought or is it a gift to be granted.