Having friends is important. These days many of us count our friends in the thousands, because we are on Facebook. And as pleasant as this experience is in gaining friends not only nearer but also far, most people only have one or two really good friends; someone they could count on through thick and thin, who would drop everything to come to their aid in a time of need. We have just that kind of friend in Jesus. He counts us his friends. He is the one we can count on through thick and thin, and especially in times of need. Jesus comforts us with his friendship, "I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you" (Jn 15:15-16). He will gather his friends around him at the feast of his body and blood this Sunday. Oh! Who would not desire to have such a friend and receive from him these exceedingly precious gifts?