As we prepare for Mass this weekend, the Sixth Sunday of Easter, it is worth hearing (in advance) that Jesus will use the language of choice and friendship. He tells His first followers (and us), “I chose you,” and “I call you friends.” Can we hear these words as addressed to us?
In any account in the Bible, when the word “disciples” appears, we are all included; the word represents us all. Jesus, for example, has handed over His life for His disciples – for us all. Like St. Paul, each of us can (and must) say that the Son of God loved me and gave Himself for me.
As we continue to celebrate Easter, we remember that, in giving His life for us, Jesus chose us, personally, and called each of us His friend. The Mass itself makes present the self-giving death of Jesus in every generation, to every community that gathers for the Breaking of Bread – and this includes our generation. Around His altar, Sunday after Sunday, He continues to speak those same words from the Last Supper, “I have chosen you.” So, as we prepare to gather in church this weekend, let’s remember that we will celebrate the Lord’s choice of us – and He will give us a chance to renew our choice of Him. Let’s pray that we will choose wisely.
