S199P6 – Through Solomon’s eyes: the treasure of a friend

Ecc. 4:9-10

Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor.  For if they fall, one will lift up his companion.  But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up.

What the people saw was an emperor who had everything and everyone he needed.  Every servant was at his beck and call.  When the emperor was hungry, food appeared hot and ready.  When he was thirsty, there was no shortage of drink.  He neither bathed himself nor dressed himself.  Where some might have had to walk, he never did; a carriage always awaited the emperor.  No one could have guessed that a great revolt would topple this monarchy and render the emperor just another poor man living in the street, but there he was, in need and alone.  When all the people whose job it was to surround and support him had disappeared, not one friend remained who wanted to do those things for him. 

Solomon was one of those guys who might have appeared to have everything.  He was king, he was wise, he was rich, and many would have done anything to be in his shoes.  He certainly would have enjoyed servants waiting on him and meeting whatever need he had.  There were those who would have come to his aid out of obligation, but his wisdom told him that that is not where the value lies.  Even a king with an army of people at his service still wants a friend.  The truth is, no one can survive this world alone.  The loners will be devoured either by the viciousness of this system of things or by their own pride.  True friendship can help protect us from both, and we should be able to find it in the Church.

Solomon might have looked at everything he had and everyone who served him and realized that none of that mattered without the fundamental relationships that truly touch the heart.  To have a friend who desires to protect you, encourage you, and support you without obligation means that you matter.  Friendship tells you that you are worth something and have value.  Friendship makes a cold heart warm and a fearful heart brave.  Even Jesus in his perfect Godliness needed a band of friends behind him to fulfill his mission here.  How much more do we need good friends by our side to fulfill our destiny!  Father, thank You for the friends we have, and direct us to those who are in need of true friendship and support.