Scripture:
Reflection:
During my time serving in parish ministry as a pastoral associate, one of my treasured experiences would be the opportunity to prepare couples for their marriage. Every couple brought a different story of how they came to meet each other and the ups and downs which led to their coming to the parish to ask for a Catholic wedding. One of the things I would always stress was the importance for each of us to respect and trust one another. Each relationship whether it is a life-long friendship, an occasional connection between persons, male or female must be based on a basic sense of trust and respect, but most of all be grounded in the model of Jesus.
Dr Robert Wicks is a clinical psychologist, spiritual director, author writes about the intersection of spirituality and psychology. He spoke at a conference I attended many years ago. Dr Wicks focused on the importance of making the ‘imago dei’ central to our growth as spiritual beings. Imago Dei is a Latin phrase that means “image of God”. The phrase is used to describe the unique relationship between God and humans. It also means that humans should treat each other with dignity and respect, as they are all created in the image of God.
Relationships, however long or short, sacramental or secular do not just suddenly go awry for no reason. When divorce happens between a couple, it is most often because one partner has strayed from the model of love and respect that Jesus modeled for us. When friends or siblings fall out of touch it can often mean they have lost the focus Jesus calls us to as well. In the book of Sirach we are reminded that a faithful friend is a life-saving remedy. I remember as I was growing up, I would get frustrated with friends who seemed to be what used to be referred to as a ‘fair weather friend’. Those people who didn’t seem to take our friendship as seriously as I felt it should be. I wanted to wash my hands of that person and move on, deciding I didn’t need friends! My mother would chide me and say how everyone needs a friend, just keep looking! She was so right! My life ROCKS because of my friendships!
It’s very easy to focus only on our lives, our interests, our needs and fail to take the time to recognize the ‘imago Dei’ in those persons who surround us crying for our attention. We live in a world where strife and conflict make front page news all the time! I was reminded recently that all of creation is a reflection of the glory and wonder of God. Jesus calls us to be that faithful friend, that imago Dei that can change our world into a nicer place to live and love. To have a friend is to be a friend. Blessings!
Theresa Secord is a retired Pastoral Associate at St. Agnes Parish, Louisville, Kentucky.