It’s “back-to-school.” How many think parents are happier than kids?
Now, here's a 2-part quiz. Part 1:
Who were the last two teams to win the Super Bowl?
Name the two wealthiest people in the world (according to Forbes Magazine 2018).
I don’t know about you, but I didn’t get 100%.
Now part 2 of the quiz:
Identify two teachers who taught you something worthwhile.
Name two friends who helped you through a difficult time.
I easily answered part 2. And I'm guessing you did too.
The point is simple: we quickly forget “super bowl” headlines. However, we don't forget those “heroes and heroines” who mentored or coached us through challenges, and who helped us answer the question: what on earth am I here for. That is precisely what Jesus does: our way, our truth and our life.
The word of God carries us back in our imaginations to the ninth century before Jesus, to a prophet named Elijah. In this passage Elijah is not a happy camper! In fact, he’s telling God that things are so bad that he simply wants to die. Elijah is “on the run.” The king of Israel wants to kill him. He’s hiding in the wilderness: hungry and thirsty.
Sometimes, like Elijah here, we may feel sorry for ourselves. We may have suffered some kind of loss--perhaps through divorce or death or unemployment or family estrangement. Or we’re seriously ill, or disappointed with someone we counted on. Maybe there are things, e g., addictions, we’ve been struggling with for years.
Elijah encourages us to get back up on our feet and engage fully in a purpose-driven life. Yes, all kinds of people brood about their “bad luck” and occasionally want to write their tombstone epitaphs. But not so fast! Listen, like Elijah, to the inner voice of God and let God re-energize us so we can persevere in always trying to do the right thing.
Paul in his letter to the Christian community at Ephesus in Turkey says that the Spirit of God in the life-giving waters of baptism has branded us as adopted sons and daughters of God our Father; yes, we belong to Jesus Christ. Hence Paul challenges us to practice virtues such as forgiveness, honesty, courage, compassion and faith or trust in God.
In the Gospel according to John, Jesus says he is the bread of life who can transform us into new creatures. Elsewhere Jesus works a sign/a wonder: he multiplies the loaves and fish, sharing them with the hungry crowd.
As a community of disciples, Jesus satisfies our spiritual hunger here at the table of the Lord with the bread of life, the Eucharist.
But who is this Jesus, this God-man?
He is our rabbi or teacher who shows us purpose in life, to live in relationship with God. He is our trustworthy friend who is always with us especially as we face challenges. He's our mentor or coach who graces us so that we can become the best version of ourselves.
Above all, so says John 15:15, this living Christ invites us to be “friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father.”
But what is a friend? I came across a survey of 800 people born between 1981 and the early 2000s, the so-called millennials. The results gave a snapshot of a lonely generation. More people today live alone than at any other period in our recorded history. This survey found that many people had a large number of “Facebook friends” but still felt a sense of loneliness.
Social media, of course, is no substitute for real, face-to-face friendships. After all Genesis, chapters 2 and 3, says we were created for friendship with God and friendship with one another.
The Bible is very realistic about friendships. We see examples of relationships at their best, and also at their worst.
For me, friendships include at least three ingredients. First, partnerships. All of us need good partnerships. Jesus sent his disciples out two by two. Paul advised early Christians that they may separate for prayer or evangelization but always come together again for strength. Yes, yalue partnerships, in marriage, in the workplace, in the community.
Second, nurture our friendships. From the beginning of Christianity, we see examples of friends working together. Paul and Barnabas, for example, were partners in proclaiming the “good news.” They “dedicated their lives ... to Jesus Christ.” We read in the Book of Acts they had a “disagreement,” parted company. But in the providence of God, it worked out. Barnabas found a new partner in Mark, Paul partnered with Silas, and they “went through Syria and Cilicia, bringing strength to the churches.” (Acts 15).
Obviously, we want to do our best to resolve differences and avoid painful partings. But the point is: nurture our friendships. Martin Luther King Jr. gave some good advice about how to do this, reminding us: “Forgiveness is not an occasional act; it is a permanent attitude.” And that's absolutely true in nurturing friendships.
Finally, make loyalty a priority. If we sow loyalty, we will reap loyalty. Be loyal even when friends are not in our company. We will become trustworthy among those who aren't our friends.
Yes, creating partnerships, nurturing friendships, and making loyalty a priority. These are at least three ingredients of friendship. Above all, think of Jesus as our best friend, soulmate and confidant, our kindly light, especially in prayer. Jesus calls us friends because he has told us everything he has heard from his Father. Value that relationship, nurture it, make faithfulness a priority.
St. Paul gives us excellent advice: “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have....” (Heb 13:16)
Our diocese has important goals for the next few years, ways to do good and to share. Of course, these take root at the parish level. For example:
Serving the poor through our St. Vincent de Paul society
Accompanying young people through our youth ministry programs. Michael Specht will speak briefly about them after communion.
Sharing our faith: through our faith formation programs (contact Lynn Richmond), our bible study, faith circles, hospitality, and parish outreach ministries
Perhaps our prayer might be:
Lord, pour out your Spirit upon us. Help us to serve as partners so we can bring “good news” to others. Nurture our friendships, especially with You, O Lord, and help us with your grace to stay loyal so we can do all the good we can, in all the ways we can. Amen.
