Friendship is one of our most precious values. It brings us joy, comfort, and hope. It sustains us and inspires us in our work and aspirations.

Paulo Coelho says, “Friendship isn’t a big thing — it’s a million things.” Proverb 17:9 states, “A sweet friendship refreshes the soul.” Then many of us agree to the famous quote: “There are friends, there is family, and there are friends that become family.”

Indeed, the Book of Ecclesiasticus (6:5-6) is right: “A faithful friend is a sure shelter, whoever finds one has found a rare treasure.”

This Sunday’s Gospel talks about friendship; not human friendship but friendship with Jesus. Jesus desires that we grow in friendship with him and wants us to know that he is a friend who would never abandon us.

I remember a young woman who told me, “Father, I have a friend who is available to me 24/7. I could always turn to him in times of need. That’s Jesus.” How true! We can always rely on Jesus to listen to us every single moment.

This young woman’s remarks remind me of Henri Nouwen’s reflection on being a true friend: “The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of confusion and bereavement, who can tolerate not knowing…not healing, not curing…that is a friend who cares.”

One of the blessings of our Catholic faith is our devotion to the Holy Eucharist. The periods we spend before the Blessed Sacrament sustain and heal us and helps us grow in friendship with Jesus.

I attest to this truth. As a young man who was pursuing priesthood and at the same time dealing with my struggles, I found strength and consolation in the presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. I would tell Jesus about my hope and desires, my fears and insecurities. Those were precious times of intimacy with our Lord, growing in friendship with him and those around me. They kept me sane and gave me clarity in my discernment to the priesthood.

It’s incredible to discover what Friendship with Jesus can do for us. It’s not self-serving but reaches out in love for others. In other words, our Friendship with Jesus allows us to grow in our love for others. It strengthens and nourishes our relationships like family, marriage, and work.

That should be the case, isn’t that right? What value does prayer have if it does not transform human relationships; if it does not allow us to love generously and care deeply?

So, this week, ask yourself: How am I growing in friendship with Jesus?

Blessing of love & peace!

Your loving pastor,

Fr. Rodel "Odey" Balagtas