Here is an extract on loyalty for you to read and reflect on that was to be included in the Deeper into the divine adventure workshop.
Loyalty
One loyal friend is worth 10,000 relatives. Euripides
Loyalty is the middle name of friendship. The Marines have it right: “Semper Fidelis” always faithful, always loyal. This single virtue is so powerfully engraved in the minds and hearts of Marines that few ever forget it. Loyalty is the rock-like virtue without which there can never be a friendship. As Walter Winchell once said:
A friend walks in when the rest of the world walks out.
Through good times and bad, a friend is there to cheer you up when you are down and lead the celebrations when things go well. That’s why the most heinous thing you can do to a friend is to betray her. Digby Anderson puts it this way,
The most solemn moment in the New Testament is the moment when Judas betrays Christ. It is a betrayal of Christ who was Judas’ friend … a kiss … a gesture of love is perverted into treachery. The horror of that moment is betrayed.
There is an interesting scene in the film, A Man for all Seasons, when close and loyal friends of Thomas More visit him in prison. The Duke of Norfolk, after insistently trying to convince More to join them with various arguments says,
Frankly, I don’t know whether the marriage [to Queen Catherine] was lawful or not. But damn it, Thomas, look at those names … [he unfolds a long scroll] … you know these men! Can’t you do what I did, and come along with us for fellowship?
Thomas More (moved) responds,
And when we stand before God … and you are sent to Paradise for doing according to your conscience and I am damned for not doing according to mine, will you come along with me for fellowship?
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