James 2:14-24, 26 / Mark 8:34 - 9:1
In the 3rd century BC, Quintus Ennius wrote: 'Amicu certus in re incerta cernitur'. Translated from the Latin it means 'a sure friend is known when in difficulty'.
We know the present version of this saying as "a friend in need is a friend indeed". Or it can also be read as "a friend in need is a friend in deed".
Whichever is preferred, they almost have the same meaning that a friend who stays with you when you are in trouble (need) is a true friend (indeed, in fact).
In the 1st reading, we heard that Abraham is called a "friend of God". Not that he helped God in something or that he did something of merit for God.
Rather it was his faith and his faithfulness to God that he lived out his life and even to the extent of offering his son Issac on the altar.
In fact, it was God to came to his help in his times of need, and it was difficult to follow the ways of God but Abraham just kept on believing. (He was 100 and Sarah was 90 when they had Issac!)
Yes, the ways of God are difficult to believe and to follow. And those who do so are truly "friends of God".
Following Jesus is also difficult. And He tells us in today's gospel that if anyone wants to follow Him, he must renounce himself and take up his cross.
We are more than just friends of Jesus. We are His disciples. Let us ask Jesus to strengthen our faith that we may be faithful to Him always.
When we stand by Him in our need, He will stand by us indeed, and in our need.