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Lord, I can't believe it! Did You see that? With everything going on in my life, with everything that I'm doing and the different directions that I'm pulled in, I thought I could rely on my friends, especially this close friend. But Lord, you saw how my friend just did that ... I'm so angry and disappointed and hurt right now that I can barely talk about it.
"My little one, I know how much this wounds you."
I mean, it's one thing to have someone who doesn't like you do something that hurts you, but when your friend does something ... I just ... I've had it.
"Yes, my child, the transgression of a friend is most painful. With a friend, the heart opens more, gives more, and thus is more easily wounded. Do you remember how Peter denied Me three times? More than the jeers and spitting from the guards or the Sanhedrin, that denial pierced My Heart. And yet I did not withdraw My love and friendship from him after he fell. Even the best among your friends will, at times, hurt you, for they are fallen human beings, as are you. You, too, will hurt your friends at some point. And, in hurting them, you will hurt Me, yet how many times have I forgiven you?"
Today alone? More times than I can count. But Lord ... what do You want me to do? What if my friend is not apologetic or dismisses my forgiveness?
"My friend, you know what you must do to have peace and to share My friendship with others. Do not be afraid, leave their reactions to Me. Imitate Me. Follow your Lord. Forgive."
Read part 1: The Quiet Call.
Read part 2: Trying God's Patience?
Read part 3: A Trail of Trust.
Read part 4: If You Want Peace ...
Read part 5: In Your Mercy, Preserve My Life
Read part 6: Finding Everyday Masterpieces.
Read part 7: Into Jerusalem
Sarah Chichester works for the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception, based in Stockbridge, Mass.