Arab-American poet Naomi Shihab Nye writes in her poem, “Red Brocade”,
“The Arabs used to say, ‘When a stranger appears at your door, feed him for three days before asking who he is, where he’s come from, where he’s headed. That way, he’ll have strength enough to answer. Or, by then you’ll be such good friends you don’t care.’”
What is friendship for a person of Christian faith? How do friendships come to be? Part discovery and part decision, friendship helps sustain, support and challenge us. It is practically sacramental, a means of grace that transforms life in ways we can barely put into language. Like trees, long standing friendships have many interior rings, and like those rings, a strong friendship will tell the story of crises we have weathered together. They are also witness to the strengths we share. And if we are willing, friendship can grow within relationships for folks who are just getting to know each other, because we recognize the living Christ in our newfound brothers and sisters. Such is the enduring and transforming power of Christian community.
Long years ago, I was attending a preaching workshop in which the facilitator told us that there were four questions that people asked when in crisis…either normal developmental crises or those that erupt when we least expect them. Those questions are: Who am I? What do I believe? What is my life about? Who are my friends? As I grow older, and certainly as we emerge from a pandemic, I sense that the question of friendship may be the most pivotal of the four. Moreover, in a day of paralyzing polarization, the grace of friendship may help us find a path through.
In Jesus’ last night with his disciples, during the long discourse at table that we find in the Gospel of John, Jesus said to the disciples, “I do not call you servants any longer…I have called you friends.” In worship on Sunday, we’ll reflect on that statement, and pay attention to where it takes us. The sermon is titled, “With Friends Like These: Holy Friendship and Spiritual Transformation.” The sermon flows from John 15: 9-17, which will be read by Jason and Zoe Peifer. The Sanctuary Singers, led by Nara Lee, will lead us musically, and there will be a moment for children, prayers and hymns.
If you have been part of the St. Mark’s community for decades, or will be joining us for the first time, we look forward to connecting with you in person (please register on Eventbrite) or on the live stream at 10:30am this Sunday.