We all have that one person in our past who we left or stopped being friends with on the excuse of the were “ fake friends”. We most probably also reached some cut-off points and were branded fake friends on account of something we did or failed to do and were kindly cut off from our friends’ list.
Well I am tempted to ask, if my friend was caught stealing, was I supposed to be a victim of mob justice so that I can prove a real friend? Wait, if my friend is a drug addict, should I walk around with an unkempt person just to prove friendship? I often have plans and cannot attend my friends parties and other things, does that make me a fake friend?
Well, let’s see. We all want loyal friends. Friends who stand with us in good times and in bad times alike. I need to be available, if others have to be available. More often, we run to the aid of the person suffering, whom we don’t know but we leave our neighbors, who sincerely need our help. just for highlights; that is disordered charity.
On Good Friday, we see Jesus experiencing the worst of betrayal. he is treated as a robber, and you and I and His disciples don’t want to be involved in the bloody mob justice. We deny him frankly and do not want in any way to be involved with the condemned criminal. Jesus is left all alone at the mercy of the soldiers who spare him nothing. We continue to become fake friends when we put our plans ahead of Sunday mass. When we are unkind, When we receive communion unworthily. When we selfishly mind our moneys and not the kingdom of God.
Easter, and each other day of our lives is a day to say to Jesus again. I will not abandon you again. Lord, I’m here to stay. Forever.