It happens every single time. I enter the huge Swedish home goods store whose name begins with “I,” full of energy, ready for inspiration, sure that my life is about to be transformed by fashionable yet so reasonably priced modern lines and colorways.
But then, thirty minutes in, I’m exhausted, overstimulated and overwhelmed. Most of all, I feel trapped. I just want to get out of there. Be free.
Maybe you feel like that sometimes: after being online too long or suffering through a different type of shopping or purported entertainment experience—initially enticing, but in the end, wearisome, draining and dehumanizing.
What a relief then, to turn from these forces and hear the kind voice of Jesus, who comes to me, not to manipulate or control, but as, in his own words, a friend. The friend. The friend who knows me the best, loves me and invites me to find something real in that friendship: freedom.
This time last year I wrote expressing my frustration at my daughter missing the completion of the nursing program by a half of a point ...and so many here responded to me in such a kind spiritual uplifting Christ filled way that I just wanted to thank you for your prayers and let you know that she is now a nurse! Praise God & thank you Jesus ????????????
*** What A Friend We Have in Jesus https://youtu.be/YTpUQO0aryw *** Jesus to provide, "As the Father loves Me, so I also love you...I have told you this so that My joy might be in you and your joy might be complete...No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends...I have called you friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father...I Who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain..." *** Me to obey, "Remain in His love...keep His commandments, I will remain in His love...love one another as I love you...It was not I who chose Jesus...whatever I ask the Father in Jesus Name He may give me. This He commands me: love one another.” ******* This gives me comfort and confidence in the first reading: Peter said, “My brothers and sisters, the SCRIPTURE HAD TO BE FULFILLED which the Holy Spirit spoke beforehand..." God has ordained everything that you, everyone and I had gone through, is going through and will go through!!! His plan and purpose had to be fulfilled, is being fulfilled and will be fulfilled!!! Why do I worry about anything when I have a friend in Jesus :-)
Salina, what a super song just perfect, never listened carefully, thanks Azmom yes, Kathy and I have many friends over the years. Having move from long island to elmira to buffalo whe have grown separated but managed to keep in touch. Friday Elmira couple is stopping by to visit on the way to grandchildren visit. They have been great Calling every few months to check on me. Living faith family I will keep you guys in my prayers. Ken
Yes, my best and greatest friend. He will never abandon me or turn on me. My steadfast friend always and forever!
Amen to that!
Living Faith provides brief daily Catholic devotions based on one of the Mass readings of the day. Published new each quarter, these reflections are written by women and men from a variety of backgrounds - lay people as well as clergy and religious. Learn more.
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I guess emoji’s show as question marks but I intended “praying hands” “uplifting hands” and angel