It is 08th May 2015. The readings are from Acts. 15:22-31 and the Gospel from Jn. 15:12-17. The first reading brings out what the Church stand for. The Church stands for holiness and unity. The Church, having discussed the issues sent the letter along with its representatives to present it warmly. Our differences must not divide us. The Council of Jerusalem brought out the most essential qualities of the Church. They are: The Church is ONE means no discrimination. The Church is HOLY means everything is through the grace from the Holy Spirit. The Church is APOSTOLIC means that faith is handed on from the Apostle received from Christ the deposit of faith. The Church is CATHOLIC means universal for every language, culture, race and nation. This brought peace among the Jewish Christians and Non-Jewish Converts. The responsorial Psalm sings, “I will thank you, Lord, among the people.” (Ps.56:10) In the Gospel, we are offered the friendship with Jesus. “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.” (Jn. 15:13). We are expected to have a sacrificial love for one another. Jesus has made known His choice of loving us. He took the first step and initiative to love us. “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will last.” (Jn.15:16). Friendship with Jesus means to have same likes and dislikes, shares secret, to be helpful to one another, having high expectations, enjoying the company of one another, and accepts a commission and a mission to be fruitful for one another. “What I command you is to love one another.” (Jn.15:17). May the Lord bless you.