Antiphona 4

'Vos amici mei estis, si feceritis quae ego praecipio vobis' (John 15:14) establishes the condition for friendship with Christ: obedience to His commands. The title 'amici' (friends) distinguished the Apostles from 'servi' (servants), since Christ revealed to them all He heard from the Father (John 15:15). Yet this friendship is not unconditional sentiment but covenantal relationship maintained through obedience. At Vespers, examining the day past, this antiphon prompts self-examination: have I obeyed Christ's commands today, or forfeited the intimacy He offers His friends?