Introduction
This “Loving Friendship of Jesus” reflection contains the part of the Last Supper Discourses of Jesus to his disciples found in the Gospel of John.
The Gospel Account
This passage is from Jesus’ teaching about the Vine and the Branches, where he talks about friendship with him and his Father. A key word is “remain” meaning to stay, abide, and live together with God.
This Reflection contains the full text of the passage, which is found in the Gospel of John, John 15:9-17.
The Five Decades
When you pray the five decades of this Rosary Reflection, use these five sayings of Jesus prayer in the Gospel. Read the Gospel verses for each decade and let the words sink in as you pray that decade.
First Decade: Remaining in Jesus’ Love (John 15:9-10)
“As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and remain in his love.”
Second Decade: Complete Joy in Jesus (John 15:11-13)
“I have told you this that my joy may be in you and your joy might be complete. This is my commandment: love one another as I love you. No one has greater love that this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends
Third Decade: No Secrets with Jesus (John 15:14-15)
“You are my friends if you do what I command you. I no longer call you slaves because a slave does not know what his master is doing. I have called you friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father.”
Fourth Decade: Chosen and Appointed by Jesus (John 15:16)
“It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give to you.”
Fifth Decade: What Being a Friend of Jesus Requires (John 15:17)
“This I command you: love one another.”
What to Remember
BFF. Best Friends Forever. One of our dearest childhood dreams is to be friends with someone for the rest of our lives. Jesus is our best friend. Forever. Yes, Jesus is Lord and Master, the only Son of God, yet he chooses you and me to be his friends. Friends spend time together. Friends share their deepest hopes and dreams with each other. Friends play and pray together. Friends want the best for each other. Friends love each other.
As a follower of Jesus, you are Jesus’ friend if you love God and the people God has put into your life. Mary’s love and prayers help you love forever.
What to Pray For
- For a deeper friendship with Jesus and the willingness to keep his commandment to love others.
- For daily, complete joy in the friendship of Jesus for yourself, family, friends, and others.
- For those who feel lonely, isolated, betrayed, and alienated from God or others, they will discover the friendship of Jesus.
- For conversion of those who mistreat others.
Feel free to pray the rosary using these Scripture verses for a more joy-filled experience of God’s friendship and love.
When This Gospel Appears
This Gospel account is proclaimed on the Sixth Sunday of Easter in Cycle B of the Lectionary. The latest appearance is May 9, 2021.
* Scripture passages are from the United Conference of Catholic Bishops website, https://usccb.org/bible
