Many of us who grew up before the reforms of the Second Vatican Council were taught an image of God who was at best a stern parent and at worst a severe judge who had the power to sentence us to eternal damnation. To imagine such a God as a friend was not audacious; it was impossible.
Fortunately, most Catholics in the third millennium are acquainted with a more benevolent God. But a friend?
Who is God for you? I have often asked spiritual directees and retreatants to reflect on this question. I suggest that they make a list of God’s names and focus on the one that has the most meaning for them. Father and Jesus are the most common; Creator, Redeemer, Teacher, and Spirit come up often. I don’t ever remember seeing the word Friend.
Why don’t we dare to think of God as a friend? What is a friend, anyway?
- Someone we can talk to
Do you talk to God? It’s easy enough to recite prayers, but really talking to God requires using our own words to express our hopes and fears. - Someone we can listen to
Conversation with God is too often a monologue. We need to be still and listen. God speaks to us in many ways—through the Scriptures, nature, the Eucharist, and good people we know. What is God saying to you? - Someone we trust
Do you trust God? It isn’t as easy as it sounds. We give in to anxiety and fear instead of trusting. - Someone who trusts us
Think of the immense trust involved in God’s giving us free will. Do you act as though you are worthy of that trust? - Someone we want to spend time with
In a world full of noise and distraction, spending time with God is a way to experience stillness and peace. - Someone who wants to spend time with us
Even a few minutes a day is enough for God to draw us to himself, if we’re open to the call. - Someone we enjoy sharing a meal with
When a friend invites us to dinner, we savor it and linger. When Jesus invites us to the Eucharist, do we linger and express our gratitude? - Someone we can count on in times of trouble
This is easy enough for most people. But do we take God for granted? - Someone who can count on us in times of trouble
In a world full of violence and injustice, can God count on us to feed the hungry, welcome the refugee, advocate for justice, work for peace, and pray for our enemies?
If it’s still difficult to think of God as a friend, focus on Jesus. He had friends. One of the closest was Lazarus. In the spirit of Ignatian contemplation, let us imagine ourselves at dinner with Jesus, Lazarus, Martha, and Mary. Imagine the scene: the food, the wine, the conversation on many subjects. What is your friend Jesus saying to you?
An audacious friendship with God? Let us thank the Holy Spirit for the gift of audacity.
Photo by Marcus Aurelius via Pexels.