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Throughout the history of the Church there have been some outstanding friendships between holy people -- beginning with Christ's friendship with the apostles (John 15:15) and with Lazarus, Martha & Mary (John Chapters 11 & 12).
As the early Christians faced persecution, we note how two young women -- St. Perpetua and St. Felicity -- stood together in the arena supporting one another unto death in their commitment to Jesus.
St. Cosmas and St. Damien were known in the early days of Christianity as close friends and coworkers. We note St. Cyprian and St. Cornelius, leaders in the Church during the Roman persecution, who at first disagreed but later became friends and worked to preserve the Church in difficult times.
In each of these friendships these holy men and women found in their friendship mutual support in the living out of their faith.
Recently, I read some unpublished notes by Scott Hahn, a convert theologian. He referenced the movie "Paul, Apostle of Christ" and pointed out something which some of us may not have fully appreciated. It was the depth of friendship between St. Paul and St. Luke. They began as coworkers and bonded in such a way that they found in each other the affirmation they needed to thrive in their ministry.
In biblical passages they were inseparable. In the 16th chapter of the Acts of the Apostles without preamble St. Luke begins to use the pronoun "we" in describing the journey of St. Paul. This subtle transition implies a certain comradeship which had developed.
In his letter to the Colossians St. Paul speaks of St. Luke as his "dear friend." As this friendship blossomed a dynamic partnership developed which had a great impact on the growth of the early Church. Along with other accomplishments, between them St. Luke and St. Paul wrote over half the New Testament. We owe a great debt to these two saints who worked side by side as dear friends.
Such holy friendships are found throughout history where saintly individuals grew close together as they served Christ and found that their friendship supported them in their ministry. Look around you and see how many good people that you know who are friends with other devout believers. Note how their friendship helps make them more productive Christians. St. Teresa of Avila who was a good friend of St. John of the Cross wrote that "no one goes to God alone."
Who are your friends? Do they support you in your spiritual life? Thank God for them if they do.
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Finding Faith is written by area pastors. This week's column comes from Rev. Fr. Joseph Orr of Holy Spirit Catholic Parish, Lock Haven.