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| Raphael's Transfiguration |
Think of two teachers who made a difference for the better in your life.
Name two friends who helped you through a difficult time.
Identify two mentors or coaches who taught you something worthwhile.
I bet you named people in all three categories. We become heroes when we make a difference for the better in people’s lives.
That, my friends, is precisely what Jesus does: as a teacher who shows us our purpose in life: to live in relationship with God; a friend whom we always can trust and who is always with us especially as we face challenges; and a mentor who inspires us to become the best version of ourselves.
The Gospel according to Matthew describes Jesus’s transfiguration: as a dazzling figure whose face is like the sun and whose clothes are as white as light. Peter, James and John saw Jesus's inner identity as Son of God burst through his outer earthly appearance. And the voice said: “Listen to him.”
Christ invites us to be “friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father.” (John 15:15)
What is a friend? A survey of people born between 1981 and the early 2000s indicated they had numerous “Facebook friends” but still felt a sense of loneliness. Social media is no substitute for real, face-to-face friendships. Genesis, chapters 2 and 3, explains we were created for friendship with God and one another.
For me, friendships involve at least three ingredients.
First, they include partnerships. Mother Teresa said, “I can do things you can't, you can do things I can't; but together we can do great things.” All of us need good partnerships. Perhaps that's why Jesus sent his disciples out two by two.
Second, nurture our friendships. Paul and Barnabas had a “sharp disagreement” and parted company. In the providence of God, Barnabas found a new partner in Mark. Paul found a new partner in Silas and they “went through Syria and Cilicia, bringing strength to the churches.” (Acts 15). It's not the end of the world if people go their separate ways. But we want to do our best to resolve differences.
Finally, make loyalty a priority. If we sow loyalty, we will reap loyalty and will build trust.
Yes, friendships value and nurture our partnerships and make loyalty a priority. Above all, think of Jesus as our best friend and soulmate and confidant, especially in prayer.
Perhaps our prayer might be: Lord, pour out your Spirit upon us. Help us to work together in our partnerships so that we can bring “good news.” to one another. Nurture our friendships, especially with You, and help us with your grace to stay loyal to our friendships so that we can keep on doing all the good we can, by all the means we can, in all the ways we can, in all the places we can, at all the times we can, for all the people we can, as long as ever we can. Amen.
