https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/062524.cfm
Who Are My Friends?
Imagine receiving a wedding invitation from someone you barely know. You glance at it and set it aside, not thinking about it again. A day or two later, your friends start talking about a wedding they’re attending. It turns out to be the same wedding on the invitation. They’re going, and now you’re going too!
Everything shifts when you realize you’ll spend time with friends. God created us for relationships—One God, Three Divine Persons. Living out our Catholic faith is similar. Pause to think about your friends. What subjects do you usually talk about? Which friends do you feel comfortable discussing your faith and your relationship Jesus with? Choosing friends who support your spiritual growth can make you feel encouraged and reassured in your faith journey.
The narrow gate refers to people who help me grow in my faith and love for the Lord. I may not feel like helping out with some church events until I know some of my friends will be there. Friends can be a significant influence in my relationship with Jesus.
But I must also consider who I relate to outside the narrow gate. Some of these people do not yet know the Lord. Are any of these friends creating temptations for me that weaken the practice of my Faith in Jesus? Being a witness to the Lord when these friends see that I am a person of conviction can give me a sense of purpose and confidence in my faith.
Gospel Challenge:
Bring each of your friends to the Lord in prayer because it will help you feel hopeful and connected in faith. Is your heart filled with peace as you think of each friend? If not, pray for them. If yes, thank the Lord for them. Please remember that only the Lord Jesus can convert the human heart. But our prayers and witness open the door for the Lord to introduce Himself to them.
Love your neighbor!
Fr. Rick Pilger, IC
