8 October 2015
Thursday of the Twenty-seventh Week in Ordinary Time
Friendship in its essence demands reciprocity. Friendship is always a free choice, not a “need.” Friendship cannot be coerced as no one can demand it. We can possess many good habits and become more loveable to others. Nevertheless, even if we are lovable or good, we still may not be loved. The door of friendship is always open but we should keep in mind that somehow other people can always refuse to love us.
In the Gospel story, Jesus tells a story of someone who persistently knocks at the door of the master for whatever is needed. Nevertheless, the person who knocks at the door cannot demand friendship from the other person. Similarly, Jesus became man and dwelt with all of us because he wants to be our friend. Jesus wants to be our friend but he also knows that he cannot demand it and some people might refuse to be friends with him.
Although Jesus knew that He cannot demand our friendship, He is very kind and generous. He assures us, “ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds.”