Friends

Gospel: John 15: 12-17

In the ancient world the images of our relationship God or gods was one of master to servant, war general to soldier, patron to client.  People would offer sacrifices or tribute in order to curry favor with the deity or to appease his anger and wrath.  Sacrifices would be offered to thank the deity for favors bestowed or to atone for transgressions against him.  Never was it the case that God or the gods were seen in any terms of love or closeness to humans.  

But in Jesus not only do we have the image of God as Father, but also we have our relationship to Jesus as one of friendship.  No longer are we to be seen as slaves but as friends.  Friends have a position of equality with one another, companionship, and mutual interests.  Jesus as the only begotten Son of God makes friendship with humanity and invites us to the house of the Father for a banquet and greater relationship with the Father.  

The people who were once slaves have been set free and made friends.  The relationship is one of mutual love and self-giving.  There is a greater willingness to lay down one's life for each other just as Jesus did for us.  It is our task to live this love and spread it all over this land - to believe mightily, hope joyfully, love divinely.  Lord, renew us as you renew the face of the earth.