Our Lord today, through the readings at Holy Mass, will ask us to consider the nature of companionship, trust, fidelity, and faithfulness—principles that serve as the bedrock of our relationships not only with one another but with God Himself.
The Book of Sirach begins with a reminder of the importance of choosing our friends wisely. As it says, “Let your acquaintances be many, but one in a thousand your confidant.” This is a poignant reminder that while our circle of friends may be many, true companionship is a rare gem, one that is forged through trust and mutual respect. In our journeys, we will encounter many who claim to be friends, but not all will stand by us in times of difficulty. A hallmark of true friendship is loyalty—a commitment that withstands the trials of life.
When we think about our own relationships, whether they are friendships, family bonds, religious fraternities, or a courtship which leads to marriage, we are reminded that the foundation of fidelity and honesty is paramount. Sirach emphasizes the treasure of a faithful
friend, stating that “a faithful friend is a sturdy shelter; he who finds one finds a treasure.” A good friend is an embodiment of the goodness God continually extends towards us, be it through mercy, or moral support, or through the very providence of material necessities. Of course it goes without saying, that the qualities of a good friend is ideally what you would want in a lifelong spouse within the Sacrament of Marriage.
In the Gospel from Mark, Jesus confronts the question of divorce, addressing the sacredness of the marital bond which lasts forever. He reminds us that “What God has joined together, no human being must separate.” While this teaching emphasizes lifelong companionship, calling us to embrace faithfulness in our vocations—particularly in the vocation of marriage, which is a profound sacramental union intended for both joy and trials, it is nevertheless an opportunity to reflect on our fidelity to vocations in general, for many a priest has left Holy Orders, thinking they’ve served enough time and now it’s off to newer and greater things.
We too as religious, can abandon a sacred calling which was meant for life. Of course, for us who are Catholic, we know the axiom: “Once a priest, always a priest.” So we need to pray that not only married couples persevere in their God-given vocation, but even our priests and religious, both male and female, because the challenges and obstacles they encounter are greater than you can ever imagine. In our collective commitment to the ones we love, we are actually engaging in a commitment to God’s intention for human relationships, which includes the virtues of love, patience, and fidelity within all vocations.
Jesus calls us to a higher standard of love. He sees how a lot of us throw in the towel prematurely on relationships which were meant to be lasting and meaningful, but whose character and maturity is tried by fire. The greatest and highest form of love, is in a word, sacrificial. Jesus once made this clear: “Greater love than this, no man has, that he should lay down his life for his friends.”
In our pursuit of sincere companionship, let us remember that the treasure of true friendship and the importance of being a trustworthy partner will come at the cost of renouncing our own egos and wills,
and becoming collaborators in the construction of something beautiful and lasting.
May we be guided by God's Word, and strengthened by Christ, who alone can give us the spirit and heart that we need so as to embrace love in its highest forms. Our Lady, Queen of Holy Love, pray for us who have recourse to thee. Amen.
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