Just as God's love for us is a gift of grace, so too is the friendship that Jesus offers. He reveals to us what true friendship looks like — a relationship marked by total self-giving, unconditional care, and sacrificial love. As missionary disciples, we are invited to deepen our friendship with both God and one another, for this is the foundation of our calling.

We are not only called to remain close to Christ, but also to bear fruits, fruits that will last. This means leaving a lasting impact by bringing healing, hope, and light into the lives of those around us.

But we cannot love with our human capacity, which is often conditional and limited. We must love with the heart of Christ, which is a love that only becomes possible when we first allow ourselves to be deeply loved by Him.

Reflection question: How can I be a better friend to the Lord and to others in my life?