June 20, 2026

“Keep your friends close and your enemies closer” is a popular saying attributed to Michael Corleone of The Godfather.  The adage, which has deep roots in both the eastern and western philosophical traditions, is typically taken to mean that in order to be successful in this world, we must give constant attention to those who pose a threat to us.  Thus, Don Michael, day and night, obsesses over how to maintain the upper hand among the other crime families, which he accomplishes, but only at the expense of a tragic disassociation from his wife and children.  Obviously, such a mindset is problematic, as one gradually turns into the very thing that she or he despises, but there is nevertheless a valuable lesson to be gleaned: the “enemy” reveals precisely the place within ourselves where we need growth, and, if we don’t pay attention to it, we will flounder.  This is why Jesus commands us to not just keep an eye on our enemies but to actively pray for them (Mt 5:44), and the psalmist tells us that when we feel betrayed by our so-called loved ones, we can still trust the honesty of our inner darkness (Ps 88:18).  Let this therefore be the week that we take seriously the task of befriending the various shadows that seem to plague us.  We will discover that the Lord is making us an offer—to a life of integration and authenticity—that we simply cannot refuse.  Ave Crux, Spes Unica.