Ordinary Time 
Pause
Perhaps one of the most scandalous truths in the Bible is that God desires relationship with us. We struggle to comprehend it. That an all powerful Creator would care about us as anything more than subservient subjects.
Yet Jesus told his disciples that he considered them friends! Not servants of some distant, all powerful Deity, demanding obedience and reverence. Or even employees working for a benevolent Boss. But friends. Confidants. Partners. Maybe even co-conspirators.
God delights in us so much that God desires our companionship. So lean in close and contemplate the wondrous and beautiful truth that you are a friend of Jesus.
Listen
God’s commandments are not difficult, because everyone who is born from God defeats the world. And this is the victory that has defeated the world: our faith. Who defeats the world? Isn’t it the one who believes that Jesus is God’s Son?
1 John 5:3b-5
Think
When we think of conquering the world we might think of what we hope to attain in life or fulfilling our personal goals and dreams. We might envision ourselves winning State, becoming valedictorian, or getting accepted to a top tier school. Maybe we daydream of being interviewed on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, receiving accolades for our most recent accomplishment.
There’s nothing wrong with these dreams, but God always seems to call us to something better than we can even imagine. God offers a friendship that we can trust. A relationship that transcends anything we could hope to win, acquire, or achieve. Our victories will come and go. The love of God prevails.
What can you overcome through your relationship with God? What is the triumph God is offering you?
Chad Senuta
Pray
Victorious God, thank you for challenging me to look beyond my own personal goals. Help me experience triumph through friendship with you. Amen.
Go
May relationship with God fill you with the delight of the One who delights in you.
May friendship with Jesus teach you to love, as you have been loved.
And may the companionship of the Holy Spirit free you to live and to share that which has been freely given.
