Friday of Week 7 in Ordinary Time
Ecc 6:5-17
Mk 10:1-12
Whoever fears the Lord makes true friends, for as a man is, so is his friend.
Social media preys on our insecurities and desire to be part of a community. They show us who are our mutual friends and how we have common interests. They suggest to us people who share the same interests as us. However, the first reading of today reminds us that the important thing is for Jesus to be the basis of the friendship.
Some of us may have been betrayed by our friends before. Perhaps there could have been a misunderstanding that has not been resolved over a period of time, which resulted in a difficult environment for everybody. The first reading reminds us of the different types of friends which we might have encountered, and how it is when the friendship is grounded in a common belief in God, which allows the relationship to flourish. The world today does need more genuine relationships. It requires everybody to speak to each other and to know each other. Conversations allow each individual to grow in depth of friendship and understanding. These bonds nourish us when we face difficulties in our daily lives.
The Psalmist reminds us that we need to be trained in God’s law, for only in that process can we discover what we want in our friends. Brothers and sisters, a friendship rooted in the love of Jesus is certainly going to be one which permits human flourishing and fullness of joy and heart.
(Today’s OXYGEN by Nicholas Chia)
Prayer: Lord, guide us to make wise choices on who our friends are going to be.
Thanksgiving: We give thanks for all who love us despite our flaws.
OXYGEN 
Leave a comment