A time of Lexio devena for the discerning heart.

Friday of the fifth week in Easter tide.

As you begin, take a deep breath and exhale slowly.

For the next few moments, surrender all the cares and concerns of this day to the Lord. Say slowly from your heart, Jesus, I trust in you. You take over. Become aware that he is with you, looking upon you with love, wanting to be heard deep within your heart. A reading from the Holy Gospel according to John, chapter 15, verses 12 through 17.

Jesus said to his disciples, this is my commandment, love one another as I have loved you.

A man can have no greater love than to lay down his life for his friends.

You are my friends if you do what I command you.

I shall not call you servants anymore because a servant does not know his master's business.

I call you friends because I have made known to you everything I have learned from my father.

You did not choose me, no, I chose you, and I commissioned you to go out and to bear fruit,

fruit that will last, and then the Father will give you

anything you ask him in my name. What I command you is to love one another. What word made this passage Lord saying to you?

Once more, give the Lord an opportunity to speak to you.

Jesus said to his disciples, this is my commandment, love one another, as I have loved you.

A man can have no greater love than to lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends.

If you do what I command you, I shall not call you servants anymore, because a servant

does not know his master's business. I call you friends, because I have made known to you

everything I have learned from my father. You did not choose me.

No, I chose you.

And I commissioned you to go out and to bear fruit,

fruit that will last,

and then the father will give you anything you ask him in my name.

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