Feast of Saint Matthias, apostle
From the beginning of the Gospel of John Jesus speaks as the incarnate Son of God. He lives on a completely different, what might be called a “higher,” plane than other humans. Because of this divine nature, it seems that humans will always remain subservient to him. However, in today’s passage Jesus tells his disciples that they have become his friends. After years under his tutelage they now share deeply and completely Jesus’ own interests. It is more wonderful than being born into the aristocracy or being made a CEO.
Just as surely as St. Matthias shared friendship with Jesus, so may we. Of course, it entails keeping his commandment to love both God and neighbor. It also assumes a continual dialogue with Jesus in prayer. As his friends, we are to listen to Jesus’ words in the gospel and share with him are own joys and anxieties. In due time we will find ourselves becoming just like him.