Good Companionship ― an Everlasting Banner
On July 30, when we celebrate the International Friendship Day, it is important to acknowledge a figure who, from a very early age, had his heart touched by the Doctrine of Jesus’ New Commandment, as found in His Gospel according to John 13:34 and 35—“Love one another, as I have loved you. Only by this shall all of you be recognized as my disciples.” I am talking about John the Evangelist, the psychographic medium of the Book of Revelation, the Apocalypse of Jesus, which he transcribed while in exile on the Island of Patmos after he reached 90 years of age.
“I, John, your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and perseverance that are ours in Jesus, was on the island of Patmos because of the Word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ.” (The Apocalypse of Jesus 1:9)
The example set by John’s companionship as expressed in his unshakable loyalty to Jesus―“in the suffering”―must be our everlasting banner. Only then will we not be stained, as those at Ephesus Church, by the shame of having lost the First Charity. It is also the example of good evangelical and apocalyptical companionship from the Prophet of Patmos that teaches us―“in the kingdom and perseverance in Jesus Christ”―never to lose heart.
Even if the most turbulent times in human existence try to suffocate the pilgrim on his/her journey, he/she will resolutely keep marching on.
Developing outstanding plans is not enough when the desired goal is not reached, since the revolutionary concept called First Charity was neglected. By the way, this was the danger that fell over the members of the Church in Ephesus, despite their qualities (The Apocalypse 2:4, 5, and 7):
“4 But I have against you that you have abandoned your First Charity.
“5 Remember, therefore, from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.
“7 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches of the Lord. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the Tree of Eternal Life, which is in the paradise of God.”
We must not quit close to the shore after having crossed rough seas with strong swimming strokes. We must urgently keep our trust in our Savior, Jesus, who never lied or let Himself lose strength. As Brother Alziro Zarur (1914-1979) affirmed so many times: “Under all circumstances, immediately think of Jesus!”
In the Gospel according to Luke 18:8, the Eminent Shepherd asked us: “When the Son of God returns, will He find Faith on Earth?”
In unison, and enthusiastically, we will answer Him: “Yes, Divine Master, You will find Faith on Earth, since we will know, as we faithfully follow Your Sovereign Will, how to persevere beyond the end.”
It is a huge challenge at the present moment for humankind, because the Times have come. However, when we are integrated into God, difficulty can only make us grow.
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