Photo of the altar crucifixion window

Befriending God

已發佈 : Apr-17-2021

1st Reading: Acts 3.13-15, 17-19
2nd Reading: 1 John 2.1-5
Gospel: Luke 24.35-48 - Jesus Appears to His Disciples

One of the most wholesome and life-giving relationships we can enjoy in this life is that of friendships. The book of Sirach says that “faithful friends are a sturdy shelter; whoever finds one has found a treasure.” Of course, the greatest friendship that we can have is our friendship with God. However, many people find it difficult to see God, the creator of the universe, as a friend. This is why Jesus became incarnate as a man, so that He could reveal God to us in a way that we could more fully grasp.

 

The Catechism teaches that “Jesus is inseparably true God and true man. He is truly the Son of God who, without ceasing to be God and Lord, became a man and our brother” (CCC 469). Since we know what it is like to befriend other humans, we can extend this same means of friendship to Jesus. However, this friendship doesn’t remain like all of our other friendships. Rather, since Jesus is also fully God, our friendship with Him also implies that we are friends with God.

 

This beautiful reality of Jesus being both God and man is visible in the Gospel today. Jesus appears to the disciples in His glorious new risen body, yet like all humans, he took a piece of fish and ate it. While this is a small example, it points to the reality of Jesus’ identity. As stewards, our friendship with God is the most important relationship we need to foster. Let us take some time each day in prayer to converse with Jesus as we would a close friend and by doing so, enjoy friendship with God.

 

Summary

We all love having friends and since we know what it is like to befriend other humans, we can extend this same means of friendship to Jesus because he too is fully human. However, this friendship doesn’t remain like all of our other friendships but is elevated to the status of being friends with God, since Jesus is also fully God. As stewards, let us take some time each day in prayer to converse with Jesus as we would a close friend and by doing so, enjoy friendship with God.