Best friend?

Friends are priceless in a world of uncertainty. When we are not certain what the world thinks of us, we can be certain of what our friends think. It is a strength and consolation. And when we are not certain what the world will throw at us, we know we can depend on friends to cushion the blow and support us when times are hard.

All that sounds positive. But what about when the ‘friends’ who help us against uncertainty are not people, but possessions? It is certainly possible to use possessions to influence people’s attitudes about us (our clothes, our jewelry, our house, our car all speak loudly about us), and possible also for cash and assets to cushion the blow of unexpected events in the world (like losing a job, or needing to repair the car). But how diminished the person who depends on such objects instead of on the love of friends.

Even less impressive is the one who treats people, not as friends, but as assets. What would we think of someone who cultivated a ‘friendship’ with someone who had plenty of cash, or the right connections. It seems cynical and despicable.

Those who try to find ways through the uncertainties of the world by any other path than the path of love, are missing the point. That is Jesus’s opinion. Someone who is eager to protect himself from loss and pain is unlikely to give up his safety to help someone in need. Someone whose hands are full of possessions as an insurance policy, is unable to help carry anyone’s cross.

Fear, in the scriptures, is the opposite of faith. When the apostles are afraid in the storm on Galilee he rebukes them for their lack of faith. It is also the arch-enemy of love. Fearful people are not generous. Love, on the other hand, as St John tells us, ‘chases out fear’. Those who are ready to empty their hands in order to share in Jesus’ work in the world hear these words of the Lord: “In the world you will have trouble, but do not be afraid; I have overcome the world.”

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