TRUE FRIENDSHIP

The Believer

A FAITHFUL friend, says Scripture, is a rich treasure.
That gift is given only to those who fear the Lord.(Sir 6:14, 17).
Mary, God enabled you to find that priceless treasure in
Elizabeth, and she found it in you.
Each of you provides a model of perfect friendship, of holy
friendship that was free of all that corrupts human
friendship.
A happy similarity of sentiments-religious sentiments-
linked you together.  Grace and virtue were the gifts
you valued in Elizabeth and the gifts she valued in you.
You spoke frequently to each other, confided in each
other, offered each other advice, and competed in
serving  each other.  But all the proofs of friendship
which you offered each other had a single ultimate
purpose: the glorification of God.
Elizabeth must have seen that, after she had become
united in spirit to you, her relationship to God
was deeper than before.
You, holy Virgin, made the same progress in holiness
while in your cousin's house that you would have
made in the solitude of Nazareth.
You were content with the union between you and
broke off your visit without ceasing to love each
other.  The virtue that unites two hearts cannot
fall victim to inconstancy.
The Imitation of Mary (Ch 27)