Take a moment and think of your friendships. True friends are among the greatest joys of life. They understand us…they accept us…and they tolerate our shortcomings. Today’s reading from the Gospel of John explains how we are called into friendship with Jesus Christ. We are invited to know God and share a closeness like nothing we have ever experienced with any human being. An intimate relationship with Jesus and God is joy made complete. Jesus describes his complete devotion to us saying, “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for his friends.” We “lay down our lives” when we follow the example of Jesus and put the needs of others before our own. What can you do today to be a true friend to someone?