I’ve been thinking a lot about friendship with Jesus. You hear the phrase in church-y circles, but what does it actually mean? What does it look like to be His friend?
I’ve been working through the Good Question guide, and I found that (when digging into God’s question: where are you?) I’ve mostly been relating to God like a needy (greedy?) child. I need this, I want that, give me, give me, give me. I recognize that there are different times in our lives where we encounter God in different ways. As father, as teacher, as savior, as king. These are all good. But I found myself desiring to come to Him as a friend, present to Him, not just myself.
I was reminded that last year at this time, as I worked through the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, I was invited to be a friend to Jesus in His sufferings. To be present to Him in the events of Holy Week, aware of His needs and hurts and desires, not just my own. Present to Him. It was hard. My own needs and wants and desires kept sneaking in. It exposed just how one-sided our relationship often is.
I realize that maybe God doesn’t need me to be present to Him as a friend. But maybe He’d enjoy it. And I’m wondering what it might do for our relationship.
As it often goes around here, I created this month’s mini-retreat for myself really. I’m sharing it with hopes that it will serve you as well.
As a reminder, mini-retreats are for paid subscribers, but you can upgrade your subscription below if you’re interested! I’m also linking to all previous retreat guides in case you missed one or if another topic speaks more to where you are now and what you need.
And may you encounter the God who loves you as you make space in your schedule and in your soul.
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