May 5th, 2024 - Sixth Sunday of Easter

Today’s gospel contains one of the more memorable lines in Scripture: “There is no greater love than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” Christ loved us so much that he gave his life for us. There is no more convincing evidence of friendship. But there are so many others, perhaps more mundane, but no less loving. Like when parents sacrifice time after time, in big ways and small ways, for the sake of their child… like when spouses put their selfish interests and instincts aside for the benefit of the other… like when teens go out of their way to serve others in need… like when any Christian moves past hurts and grudges and genuinely tries to forgive someone from their heart.  Our call every day is to demonstrate our friendship with Christ by laying down our lives for others. With the help of Mary’s prayers and example, may we live our friendship with the Lord Jesus by laying our lives for others!