"The Gospel's call to make friends is universal, insofar as all human beings are approached as potential friends. When someone responds to this offer, the mutual love of friendship becomes active in the relationship. But here too, the friendship must be developed, and this will be determined in part by the human qualities and possibilities of the individuals involved. Being friends is not an all-or-nothing situation, nor is it a static state of affairs. Friendship must be cultivated: it exists on a dynamic continuum running from a simple sharing in common activities and a common outlook to a lifelong companionship where the friend is truly an alter ego, another self. To grow in friendship, ultimately it is one's own heart that must be transformed; it must become deeper and more encompassing. The limit case is the heart of Christ himself. To the extent that someone approaches this, they become able to be a friend to all. We can fittingly close this chapter with a quotation from Charles de Foucauld (1858-1916), hermit in the Sahara and apostle to the Touaregs, whose life inspired several spiritual families in the church:
"Every Christian must see each human being as a beloved brother or sister. A sinner, an enemy of God, the Christian must see as someone ill, very ill, and should feel a deep pity and should care for that person as for a wayward brother or sister. Non-Christians may have a Christian for their enemy; the Christian must always be a loving friend towards every person and have towards them all the same feelings as Jesus had in his Heart."
