Friendship is a theme that has been running through our ministry of late.
As we gather together the start of each new week, we give glory to God by sharing how He has been working in each of our various ministries. Whether it’s a shelter for families, our food truck parked on the street, a nursing home, a parish, a Sunday-school class or places inbetween, the Lord has been greeting us as friends.
“There is nothing on this earth more to be prized than true friendship.” – St. Thomas Aquinas
God became man in the person of Christ Jesus, and showed us His Love in the flesh. He came to show us the path back to eternal life in Him. He came to reveal to us His Face, a Face of Mercy, and restore us back to friendship with himself.
Each day, we are privileged to be a friend and be shown friendship in return with those we serve. The Heartbeat of Jesus has truly been present in the simplest of ways this week: laughter, spending extra time with people, building trust, conversing with non-spiritual persons, insight in prayer how to love, a hug, a smile, a “You are Precious in God’s eyes” card.
“Friendship brings out the best in a person through forgetfulness of self.” – St. Thomas Aquinas
In the Gospel of John, one of many lasting sayings Christ leaves with us is, “I no longer call you slaves, but friends.” To be friends with all, and live in the fullness of live with Him: friendship restored. In our friendships, they must ultimately lead us to the truest and trustiest friend, Jesus Christ. Thanks be to God, Our Father, who is restoring His friendship with us one day at a time, one person at a time.
-LAMP Missionary Marta Stangl
LAMP Catholic Ministries 