July 29 used to be the Feast of Saint Martha but 4 years ago Pope Francis expanded the feast to include Martha's siblings: Mary and Lazarus. The gospels indicate that the members of this family trio were special friends of Jesus. You'll remember Jesus stopping in for dinner in the gospel a few weeks back. And when Lazarus died, his sisters sent for Jesus who came - and raised Lazarus from the dead!
It's good for us to remember that Jesus who loved all, also had especially close friends, including: the twelve apostles, his closest collaborators; John, often referred to as "the disciple whom Jesus loved; and Martha, Mary and Lazarus. Our prayer tonight (which I've enjoyed updating) celebrates the gift of friendship...
How fine the gift of friendship, Lord!
Good friends, old friends,
new friends, work friends,
wise friends, fun friends,
casual friends, life-long friends,
childhood friends, college friends,
soul friends, cousin friends,
family friends, loyal friends,
mentor friends, group friends,
friends next door and virtual friends,
true friends, honest friends,
school friends, social friends,
best friends, long-distance friends,
friends in faith, FaceBook friends
and the we-should-get-together
-but-never-do-friends...
How fine the gift of friendship, Lord!
I'm grateful, Lord, for all my friends:
friends who have my back,
friends who always remember me,
friends who never let me down,
friends who always have time for me,
generous friends
who never count the cost,
friends who tell me the truth,
friends I rely on,
friends I depend,
friends I count on...
And thank you, Lord, for friends:
who pardon and forgive me,
who praise me and critique me,
who pray for me and stay with me,
who always save a place for me,
who wait for me when I am late,
who comfort me in sad times,
who share my every joy,
who live within my heart of hearts,
whose patience with me knows no end,
whose very hearts are home to me...
I thank you for my closest friends,
friends as fine as purest gold,
whose love and prayer and sacrifice
draw me to you,
the very best of all my friends:
my Savior and my Lord...
Take some time here
to lift in prayer, by name
the friends for whom
you pray tonight...
Lead me to befriend the friendless, Lord,
and make me a friend to others
as you're a friend to me...
Protect me, Lord, while I'm awake
and watch over me while I sleep
that awake, I might keep watch with you
and asleep, rest in your peace...
Amen.
Two songs for our prayer this evening... The first was released 14 years ago but it's lyrics fit our own times very well, reminding us of our friendship with Jesus. The second is a well known piece from Carole King, reminding us of how precious and sacred is the gift of friendship.
Jesus, Friend of Sinners by Casting Crowns
cover by Chinedu Gboof,
featuring Johnny Drille
If a video doesn't appear below, click here!
Jesus, friend of sinners, we've strayed so far awayWe've cut down people in Your nameBut the sword was never ours to swingOh, Jesus, friend of sinnersThe truth's become so hard to seeThe world is on their way to YouBut they are trippin' over me
Always lookin' around, but never lookin' upI'm so double mindedA plank eyed saint with dirty handsAnd a heart divided
Oh, Jesus, friend of sinnersOpen our eyes to the worldAt the end of our pointing fingersLet our hearts be led by mercyHelp us reach with open hearts and open doorsOh, Jesus, friend of sinnersBreak our hearts for what breaks Yours
Yeah, (yeah), yeah
Jesus, friend of sinnersThe one who's writing in the sandMade the righteous turn awayAnd the stones fall from their hands
Help us to remember we are all the least of theseLet the memory of Your mercyBring Your people to their knees
Nobody knows what we're forOnly what we're against
When we judge the woundedWhat if we put down our signsCrossed over the lines and love like You did?
Chorus
You love every lost causeYou reach for the outcastFor the leper and the lameThey're the reason that You came
Lord, I was that lost cause And I was the outcastBut You died for sinners just like meA grateful leper at Your feet
'Cause You are good, oh, You are goodAnd Your love endures forever...
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