I will give you thanks among the peoples, O Lord. — Psalm 57:10 

Mass readings: Acts 15:22-31 / John 15:12-17 

Companions for the Journey 

Sometimes a person choose us for a friend before we’ve chosen him or her. Sometimes a new acquaintances differs from us in age, education, or interests. He or she doesn’t resemble our other friends and we wonder, “How did the two of us ever get together?” It’s not unusual to hear of people who developed a strong relationship after a random chat in a grocery store line or casual encounter at an airport gate. But . . . a seemingly coincidental meeting may not have been so accidental after all.  

In John’s Gospel, Jesus says, “It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you.” If God calls us to be His disciples, He’ll give us the friends who can best accompany us on our journey to Him. Including some we may find surprising. 

Prayer: Father God, bring us close to those who will carry us closer to You.