Thoughts for the Day

* Stained glass window of disciples and Jesus

Jesus said, ‘This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father. You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name. I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another.

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

As Rector and Rural Dean in Suffolk the family and I lived in a large, isolated rectory overlooking the estuary. The grounds were extensive and a lot of time was spent mowing the lawns, but never getting to grips with the two separate rabbit warrens - one in front of the house and one behind. However, it was a good space to hold an animal service, and I have a lovely memory of four gazebos put together to keep people dry on a wet Sunday morning. One horse put its head under the shelter to keep dry, but his rider had to sit out in the rain!

In the old kitchen was a bell-board with each room labelled. Presumably the Rector was expected to press the button in the dining room or study, and a servant would appear to be given instructions to make tea. In my day the Rector went and made the tea, and most parishioners would join me in the kitchen to make a fuss of our old dog while I put the kettle on!

Jesus says in today's reading from John's gospel that his disciples are not servants, but friends. They have been initiated into God's great plan to save the world. As friends they are helpers and it is up to them to take the gospel message forward into the future. They have their instructions. No-one is going to ring a bell and tell them what do do. It is up to them to use their initiative and get on with the work.

For us it's exactly the same. These words in a Baptismal service sum it up: "In baptism God invites you on a life-long journey. Together with all God’s people you must explore the way of Jesus and grow in friendship with God, in love for his people, and in serving others."* With the help of the Holy Spirit we can do it!

* from Common Worship

Lord God,
You call each one of us
to make a difference to our world:
to take Your message to all whom we meet,
in word, or in deed.
Give us the courage,
the strength, and the desire,
to help to make changes
for the better.
Amen.