MONDAY HOMILY: Friendship with Christ

12/10/2012

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companions of the paralytic whom Jesus cures (Luke 5:17-26) did not ask their sick friend if he wanted to be hauled up on the roof and then lowered through it. They took this initiative, perhaps against the paralytic's will, in order to bring him to Jesus and be cured. We can only imagine the gratitude of this man towards his friends, even if they caused him some anxiety.

It is worth everything to pursue friendship with Jesus. Even though we cannot see him with bodily eyes, as did the apostles, we nevertheless have access to his word and to his very person in the sacraments, especially through the Holy Eucharist. Those who desire a deeper friendship with Christ will turn with frequency and devotion to the twin fonts of the Gospel and the Eucharist.

What a consolation these gifts must have been for the holy Mother of God. Being able to hear her son's words and to receive him in Holy Communion sustained Mary during the rest of her sojourn on earth. They will sustain us as well, and help us to grow in friendship with Christ the Lord.

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Fr. Stephen B. Reynolds is pastor of St. Theresa Catholic Church in Sugar Land, TX, a suburb of Houston. You may visit the parish website at: www.SugarLandCatholic.com.

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Pope Benedict XVI's Prayer Intentions for January 2013
General Intention: The Faith of Christians. That in this Year of Faith Christians may deepen their knowledge of the mystery of Christ and witness joyfully to the gift of faith in him.
Missionary Intention: Middle Eastern Christians. That the Christian communities of the Middle East, often discriminated against, may receive from the Holy Spirit the strength of fidelity and perseverance.

Keywords: Gospel of Luke, Daily Homily, Commentary on the Gospel, Year of Faith, St. Peter, Friendship with Christ, Catechism of the Catholic Church, Cure of Paralytic, Fr. Stephen B. Reynolds, St. Theresa Sugar Land

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1 - 1 of 1 Comments

andrew
5 months ago
God offers us friendship knowing we have progressively grown to deserve it, 2000 years ago for all time. Why would I not accept this gift today?

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