Finding God’s Mission in our Friendships

In today’s fast-paced world, cultivating genuine friendships can be a challenge. Yet, from a Catholic perspective, friendship is more than just social interaction; it is a vital avenue for practicing love and charity. The concept of “mission-ready friendship”—discussed by Jason Simon in his new book—invites us to transform our relationships by being intentional, empathetic, and proactive, all while remaining rooted in the Faith. So how can one make their friendships mission-ready?

Friendship offers a unique opportunity to learn and embody love in its purest form. As Jesus taught, “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you” (John 15:12). St. Thomas Aquinas emphasized, “Charity is the friendship of man for God.” By viewing friendship as a school of love, we practice charity and deepen our relationship with God. This means moving beyond surface-level connections and embracing an empathetic approach that mirrors Christ’s unconditional love.

A mission-ready friendship begins with the decision to turn outward. This involves initiating conversations and reaching out to those who may need companionship or support. Pope Francis urges us in Evangelii Gaudium, “I invite all Christians, everywhere, at this very moment, to a renewed personal encounter with Jesus Christ” (3). By reaching out, we imitate Christ, who sought out others and invited them into a deeper relationship.

Praying for our friends is a profound way to strengthen our bonds. St. Paul writes, “I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people” (1 Timothy 2:1). Interceding on their behalf not only brings them closer to God but also aligns our hearts with their needs and struggles. Through prayer, we express our love and desire for their well-being on a deeper level.

Opportunities to deepen friendships often arise unexpectedly. Being peacefully ready to respond means cultivating a receptive heart prepared to engage whenever these moments occur. The Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) teaches us the importance of being ready to assist others in need. Like the Good Samaritan, we should show genuine curiosity and compassion toward our friends, offering support without hesitation.

When you’re with friends, make the most of your time together. Don’t let meaningful moments slip away. Delve into conversations about personal faith, aspirations, and challenges. St. Peter advises, “Always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you” (1 Peter 3:15). Such discussions can enrich your friendship and provide mutual encouragement in your spiritual journeys.

Mission-ready friends aspire to be “good-natured disrupters”—individuals who inspire positive change in each other and in the world. Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden” (Matthew 5:14). By collaborating on acts of service or community projects, friends can collectively bring goodness to others’ lives. St. Teresa of Calcutta reminds us of this, “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” Together, you can be instruments of God’s love in the world—helping others to bring others to Christ by your example.

Embracing mission-ready friendship is about transforming how we approach relationships through the lens of Catholic theology. It’s a call to be intentional, empathetic, and proactive, fostering connections that are both fulfilling and rooted in faith. By adopting these principles, we can revolutionize our friendships, making them powerful instruments of love and positive change. Let us commit to nurturing friendships that reflect the heart of Christ and contribute to a more compassionate and connected world.

Author’s Note: If you’d like to check out the book that inspired this article, Jason Simon’s Mission-Ready Friendship: A Blueprint for Deeper Relationships and Life-Changing Faith is available from Ave Maria Press.

Photo by Hudson Hintze on Unsplash