Today’s reading from the first letter of John states that an authentic relationship with God leads us to love others. If we truly know God, who is love, then we, too, will love. Developing our relationship with Jesus, speaking to him as a friend and listening attentively to his words, will give us the ability to love like him and will fill our lives abundantly with love.

God is constantly inviting us to be closer to him and to love more like he does. In what ways may God be calling you to live out your friendship with him? 

—Justin Prom, SJ, is a Jesuit scholastic of the Midwest Province studying philosophy at Loyola University Chicago.

Prayer

Jesus… Best Friend
May your soul give life to me,
May your flesh be food for me,
May you warm my hardened heart.

Jesus… Best Friend
May your tears now wash me clean,
May your passion keep me strong
May you listen to my plea.

Jesus… Best Friend
May your wounds take in my hurts,
May your gaze be fixed on me,
May I not betray your love.

Jesus… Best Friend
May you call me at death’s door,
May you hold me close to you,
May you place me with God’s saints,
May I ever sing your praise.
Amen.

—David L. Fleming, SJ, Draw Me into Your Friendship, inspired by the prayer “Soul of Christ”