Wednesday 28 April

ST PETER CHANEL, MARTYR (F)

Patron Saint of New Zealand

Acts 13:44-52; Psalm 96; John 15:12-17

I call you friends

The servant and the friend have very different relationships with the master. The servant obeys the master’s orders and accepts punishment for his failings. Friends relate by mutual understanding and trust. They know each other’s business. Their failings are met with compassion and forgiveness. Jesus invites his disciples to be his friends, to join him in a commitment to his mission. Saint Peter Chanel paid the price of that friendship with his life.