Father Rick’s Two Minute Homily for Friday, 5th Week in Easter

May 5, 2026, John 15:12-17 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/050826.cfm

Friendship

Friendship is a wonderful gift. We have friends we like spending time with and doing activities together. We know exactly who to call for a ballgame or movie, and we feel happy when they agree.

And then, some friends go even deeper—the ones we eagerly want to share our news with, whether it’s joyful or difficult. It’s the delight of sharing that counts, confident that they will support us. This is the joy of sharing with Jesus, our most loyal and genuine Friend.

Jesus is the kind of Friend who truly cares for us. He doesn’t see us just as mere servants but as His dear friends. Every day, He eagerly waits to fill the special space in our hearts. It’s a space so wide and lovely that only Jesus can fill it completely. His friendship gives us a sense of comfort and reassurance, knowing He’s always there to support us.

That’s why I learned early on to carve out time in my day for Jesus within the vast space of my heart. It must be large enough for Him to reside comfortably, always waiting for me.

Consider prayer as something that Jesus does in us. He takes whatever we bring Him, all our joys, sorrows, sins, and intentions—and loves us through each of them, ensuring they do not become burdens or worries. Jesus is so authentic that He has chosen to share in our happiness when we rejoice and to suffer with us when we suffer.

Without fail, we bring suffering on ourselves and others when we sin. Even then, Jesus does not abandon us. Blessed Rosmini wrote in the “Fourth Maxim of Christian Perfection,” “We can all take comfort from the thought that Jesus did not refuse the name ‘friend’ even to Judas when he came to betray him. Provided we believe in Jesus, we have the basis of an unbounded confidence in our heavenly Father, which even our sins should not lessen.”1

Remember this: once we finish and get on with our day, Jesus never leaves us. His words within us inspire others and bring life when we speak with compassion. His mercy within us dispels any fear, preventing us from reacting harshly to those who hurt us.

Like anyone else, we only truly recognize Jesus as our best Friend when we dedicate the BEST TIME OF OUR DAY to Him. In return, Jesus consistently reveals the very best in us. His friendship has a transformative power, motivating us to produce His fruit in the hearts and lives of others.

Gospel Challenge: Have you ever wondered what kind of positive impact Jesus might have on someone’s life today, because we took the time to give Him our best? It’s a wonderful opportunity to reflect on how sharing our time can help bring about beautiful results in the lives we touch.

Fr. Rick Pilger, IC  www.bscchurch.com     www.rosminians.com

Maxims of Christian Perfection Fourth Maxim #5.

Blessed Antonio Rosmini