A couple decades ago, my 20-something self decided to fly the coop and try living out on my own. I finally had a steady job and a close friend had purchased a second house and was renting it out. Now all I needed were roommates. With the help of Catholic young adult groups I found myself moving in with two other young ladies. One of them was more reserved and kept mostly to herself while the other was outgoing but seemed engrossed in her boyfriend. I had my own social life and was just looking for a couple people to help pay the bills, so I was happy with the arrangement.
Little did I know that within a few months one of those ladies, whom I thought was too much like myself, would become one of my best friends. We’re talking about – I’m in your wedding and you’re in mine – type of friends. We’re talking about – you live halfway across the world but every time we see each other we are able to instantly reconnect – type of friends. We’re talking about – I pray for you and you pray for me when we’re going through a tough time – type of friends. The kind of friendship that is grounded in true care for one another and rooted in love for God.
Today’s first reading warns us to be careful about who we choose as friends: “Let your acquaintances be many, but one in a thousand your confidant.” But once you find that confidant, you truly understand the words that follow: “A faithful friend is a sturdy shelter; he who finds one finds a treasure. A faithful friend is beyond price, no sum can balance his worth. A faithful friend is a life-saving remedy, such as he who fears God finds; For he who fears God behaves accordingly, and his friend will be like himself.”
I can honestly say that this friend is a treasure to me, someone I can count on to share my joys with and who shows me compassion in my sorrows. I never thought that two people with such similar personalities could jive so well, but in the end it is the similarity of our faith that holds us together like glue.
On this day, let us reflect on the deep friendships we are blessed with. May we realize that they are not a dime a dozen but rather one in a thousand, and thank God for bringing those people into our lives. For truly, “A faithful friend is beyond price, no sum can balance his worth.”
Daily Reading
Second Sunday of Lent
Reading I Genesis 15:5-12, 17-18 The Lord God took Abram outside and said, “Look up at the sky and count the stars, if you can. Just so,” he added, “shall…
Saint of the Day
Second Sunday of Lent
Reading I Genesis 15:5-12, 17-18 The Lord God took Abram outside and said, “Look up at the sky and count the stars, if you can. Just so,” he added, “shall…