In the pursuit of holiness, we are often confronted with periods of great difficulty, significant confusion and trials, and even moments of desolation and aridity. Leading up to my conversion and baptism in 2013, through my initial years as a Catholic and during my vocational discernment, these periods have come and gone with some regularity. Looking back, I can see clearly how the Lord was at work through these challenges to mold and purify me into a better Christian, a better man and a better friend. A primary means he used was the gift of close Catholic friends who accompanied me on the path to virtue and love for Christ.
These companions God has mercifully placed along my journey have taught me important lessons about the faith, how to live the Christian life well and how to be a man focused on Jesus. During my discernment of seminary and the priesthood, it was my close Catholic friends who accompanied me through the daily ups and downs, helped me apply principles of discernment, and prayed for me endlessly. They fasted and sacrificed for me, they were encouraging and supportive when others weren’t. They showed me what true Christian friendship is. I may not have always been grateful to them and to God for the gifts they were, but I don’t think I would have persevered without them.
I am not alone in recognizing the value of holy friends along the journey of Christian life. The Book of Sirach says “A faithful friend is a sturdy shelter; he that has found one has found a treasure.” St. Francis de Sales in “An Introduction to the Devout Life” advised, “we who are on a rugged, slippery road hold on to one another in order to walk more safely.” In his book, “The Fulfillment of All Desire,” theologian Ralph Martin highlights the importance of godly friendships and thus urges all who seek holiness to find a faithful friend for the journey; he says, “Love and relationships that are in Jesus are the only love and relationships that can fulfill the dream of the human heart.”
As we begin this new year perhaps looking for resolutions to better our lives, can I recommend that we work to find and cultivate these faithful friends (or groups of them)? Let us ask the Lord to put people along our path with whom we can read and discuss the spiritual life and lives of the saints, challenge each other daily to be holier, to deepen in our knowledge of our faith and love for God, and ultimately help us fulfill the dreams of our human hearts.
Sampson, who is originally from St. Charles Borromeo Church in Arlington, is in his first year of theology at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, Md.
