And he gave some as apostles, others as prophets, others as evangelists, others as pastors and teachers, to equip the holy ones for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ. // Ephesians 4:11-12*
Walking down the bike path, I noticed two geese flying south with one another. The V-formation is a vital part of the way geese journey together. The significance is multi-layered: they create an uplift for one another to help one another fly further to reach their destination, and they fly in front of one another when they are hurt or sick.
What I found most interesting watching these two geese on the bike path was that although they were just a pair, they were still flying in a V-formation! They were set on journeying with one another, creating uplift for one another, and reaching their final destination together as soon as they could. In that moment, I witnessed an incredible testament to how important the quality of our friendships are over the quantity of friendships we have.
Best-friend Saint feast days are a beautiful joy in our Faith. There are very few of them, but today, we celebrate the faith of Saints Basil and Gregory who were best friends and set on proclaiming the truth of the Faith together to the masses in the 300s. They dedicated their lives to the service of the Church, and their closeness (as well as disagreements they had!) are an amazing testament to two souls flying side-by-side, set on reaching Heaven together.
Today, I invite you to think of one friend whom you would love to be canonized alongside and share a feast day with—someone who flies with you on this journey to uplift you, to support you, to reach Heaven with you. Saints Basil and Gregory, pray for us!
* from readings for the Memorial of Saints Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen, Bishops and Doctors of the Church
Emily Wilson Hussem planned her whole life to become a sports reporter but turned out to be a Catholic writer at the hand of God. The heart of her ministry is offering encouragement to women in living a counter-cultural life of joy. She is the author of two children's books, God’s Glorious Girl and God’s Brave Boy and Awaken My Heart, a devotional for women of all ages. Find out more about her here.
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