Lectio
Read the passage slowly and attentively, paying close attention to each word and detail.
Passage: “This is my commandment, that you love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love than this no man hath, that a man lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends, if you do the things that I command you. I will not now call you servants: for the servant knoweth not what his lord doth. But I have called you friends, because all things, whatsoever I have heard of my Father, I have made known to you. You have not chosen me: but I have chosen you; and have appointed you, that you should go and should bring forth fruit; and your fruit should remain: that whatsoever you shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.” (Saint John 15:12-16)
Meditatio
Reflect on the passage, considering what it says about Christ and how it speaks to your own spiritual life.
- Commandment of Love: Reflect on Jesus’ commandment to love one another as He has loved us. Consider the depth of Jesus’ love and how you can embody this love in your interactions with others.
- Greater Love: Meditate on the thought that there is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. Consider the sacrificial nature of true love and how you can show such love in your life.
- Friends of Jesus: Reflect on the privilege of being called friends by Jesus if we follow His commandments. Consider the intimacy and trust that comes with this friendship.
- Revelation of the Father: Reflect on Jesus’ statement that He has made known to us everything He heard from the Father. Consider the fullness of the revelation we have received through Jesus.
- Chosen and Appointed: Meditate on the fact that we have been chosen and appointed by Jesus to bear lasting fruit. Consider the responsibility and the mission to bring forth fruit that remains.
Oratio
Respond to the passage with prayer, seeking to connect with God through the text.
O Lord Jesus, as I reflect on Thy words, I am deeply moved by Thy commandment to love one another as Thou hast loved us. Help me to understand and embrace the depth of Thy love and to reflect it in my own life. I thank Thee for calling me Thy friend and revealing the Father’s will to me. Strengthen me to follow Thy commandments faithfully and to bear lasting fruit. I am humbled and grateful that Thou hast chosen and appointed me. Guide me in my mission to bring forth fruit that remains. Amen.
Contemplatio
Spend some time in silent contemplation, resting in God’s presence and allowing the truths of the passage to sink deeply into your heart.
Contemplate on Jesus speaking these words directly to you, calling you His friend and sharing His commandment of love. Contemplate the love Jesus has for you, the friendship He offers, and the mission He has given you. Rest in the assurance of His love and the privilege of being chosen and appointed by Him.
Actio
Consider how you can apply the insights gained from this passage to your daily life.
- Practice sacrificial love: Look for opportunities to show sacrificial love to others, especially in difficult situations.
- Strengthen friendships: Cultivate and deepen your friendships, following Jesus’ example of love and intimacy.
- Live the commandments: Strive to live according to Jesus’ commandments, reflecting His love in all your actions.
- Embrace your mission: Acknowledge the mission Jesus has given you and seek to bear lasting fruit in your daily life.
- Pray with confidence: Approach the Heavenly Father in prayer with the confidence that comes from being chosen by Jesus, asking in His name for what you need to fulfil your mission.
