In the scriptures one of the special marks of favor is to be called a friend of God, wherein a man would speak to God as one man to another. In today’s gospel we hear Jesus call his disciples his friends, rather than his servants. A friendship with God requires a loving relationship with God, which goes beyond mere duty and obedience.

The distinguishing quality of the relationship Jesus had with his disciples was that of his personal love for them. His love was unconditional, and totally directed toward the good of others. His love was also sacrificial, and he willingly gave all and the best that he had. He gave his very life for those he loved, so that they might obtain eternal life.

One who truly loves another - not mere emotional love, but love which is a conscious decision of the will – gives the best he can offer and is willing to sacrifice everything for the one who is loved. And so God willingly paid the price of our redemption through the sacrifice of Jesus, his only begotten Son.

True friends will lay down their lives for one another. Jesus says to us in today’s gospel 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, whole-heartedly and without holding anything back.

If we are open and willing, Jesus’ love will fill our hearts and transform our minds and free us to give ourselves in loving service to others. And if we open our hearts to his love and obey his command to love our neighbor, then we will bear much fruit in our lives. It is this fruit that will last for eternity.