From the beginning, God intended man to be his friend and to continue this closeness through generations. Today’s readings reveal how these relation- ships turned into friendships with ordinary people like us. In the Old Testament, Abraham was known as God’s friend—commended for his faith, obedience, and trust. In the Gospel reading, the siblings had to choose whether to serve or be served. How we respond with our time and resources matters to Jesus. Obedience is Jesus’ love language. Unlike human friendships, his friend- ship is based on unconditional love. Our obedience expresses our love, and through his love, we share the same with others. Sitting at his feet and learning to hear his voice, must be a priority, not just another task. Our highest calling is to build this friendship into an intimate love relationship. Jesus invites us to experience a love so deep that it fulfills our being. Then will we hear the heartbeat of the Lover of our souls.

PRAYER: Abba Father, draw me close to you that I may hear your heartbeat. Amen.