Happy Easter! Today’s Gospel reading from St. John picks up in the middle of the “Last Supper Discourses,” where Jesus gives a clear, simple definition of the greatest love as sacrifice. “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friend” (John 15:13).
In the following two verses, Jesus lets the Apostles know that they are no longer slaves but friends because he has shared everything he’s heard from his Father.
In the Old Testament, Moses, Joshua and David were referred to as slaves or servants of Yahweh. Only Abraham was called a “friend of God.” But in the Gospel reading, Jesus calls the Apostles “friends” because he revealed his Father’s plan to them. It’s the knowledge of the plan of salvation that brings us into friendship with God, and it’s living out that greatest love, that friendship, that secures our salvation.
Abraham was willing to lay down his life, the life of his son, to do God’s will The apostles laid down their own lives for the name of Christ. So here’s today’s tip. Instead of reflecting on whom you loved, try asking yourself this: “For whom did I sacrifice today?”
Makana Aiona is the diocesan coordinator for Young Adult Ministry.