Sometime in 2018, I asked my friend and golfing buddy, the late Father Roger Bourgeois SSS, to speak at an initial formation program I was leading for some prospective associates. He was already in his mid-80s, but sharp as a tack and seven decades steeped in religious life and the charism of the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament. He had been formed in a pre-Vatican II theology and spirituality. By then, though, he was grounded in the post-Vatican II-shaped Rule of Life for the Congregation.
Father Roger decided to begin his teaching that night by talking about his early days as a religious. This took him back to the 1940s. He recalled, speaking almost wistfully, that he somehow had come to see and experience Jesus as his friend.
I remember being deeply touched by his story and how he chose to begin the lesson. But what really moved me was how emotional he got reminiscing about his good fortune to have had that kind of relationship with Jesus so early in his religious life.
What I also remember about that night was the reaction of a number of young people in the class. They were not happy with what Father Roger had said. For them, “Jesus was God, their Lord and Savior; not their friend.” And then Father Roger said softly, “Oh, he’s my Lord and Savior. But he’s mostly my friend.”
In today’s Gospel, Jesus talks about friendship. He also talks about God the Father as a grand friend. Elsewhere in the Gospels, he refers to himself as the ultimate friend who would lay down his life for (us), his friends.
We each have choices to make as we walk the spiritual journey. Who do you say Jesus is? Who do you say God is?
Let Us Pray:
Jesus, you draw on the image of friendship and that of a father-son relationship (or a mother-daughter) to teach us today’s lesson. Then you say, imagine those relationships at their best. Well, the Father in heaven will give us more — the Spirit of the friendship between the two of you — to those who ask — those who believe. (As the psalmist prays), “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel.” Thank you, Jesus.
