Uncategorized Archives | Page 4 of 18 | Fr. Ed Broom, OMV Oblates of the Virgin Mary

Jul 12 2022

MIND OF CHRIST

Father Ed Broom, OMV, serves as Associate Pastor at St. Peter Chanel Church in Hawaiian Gardens, California. He is a member of the Religious Order, Oblates of the Virgin Mary, and was ordained by Saint John Paul II in St Peter’s Basilica on May 25, 1986. Fr. Ed is a Retreat Master and teaches Catholic Ignatian Marian Spirituality through articles, podcasts, a radio show, retreats and spiritual direction. He is the author of three books: From Humdrum to Holy, Total. Consecration to Jesus through Mary through the Mysteries of the Rosary and Road Map to Heaven, A Catholic Plan of Life.

Jun 26 2022

BLESSINGS THAT FLOW FROM MARRIAGE & FAMILY

The first institution created by God Himself is the family—the union between man and woman for the benefit of the children, as well as for society. The Second Vatican Council and its documents constantly refer to the family as “The Domestic Church”—the Church in miniature.

Pope Saint John Paul II, who wrote the Letter to the Family, insists on the vital importance of the family. In fact, the family is the primary cell of society, as well as the primary building block of society. The pathway that the society follows depends on the family, its unity, integrity and solidity.

A summary glance of history highlights the inevitable fact of the importance of the family for the future of civilization. Almost all of the major civilizations declined, unraveled and dissolved for many reasons and underlying factors. However, of the most prominent would be the crisis of the family. Embedded in the society in crisis would also be a widespread proliferation of sexual license and immorality. Often indeed, the family is subject to major attacks when sexual immorality rocks the family boat, capsizes and sinks the family ship—captain, crew and all of the members.

“From the beginning God created them male and female. Therefore, the man will leave his father and mother and cling to his wife and they will form one flesh. Therefore, what God has united let no man rent asunder.” (Jn 19:4-5) This was and still is God’s original plan for man, woman and the existence of the family.

Once a man and woman bond together through the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony countless graces and blessings flow from this bond, from this marital union. Holy Matrimony and the Family is indeed a vocation. By vocation is meant a true calling from God. Indeed, there is a real calling to holiness as Jesus stated emphatically, “Be holy as your heavenly Father is holy”, in the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony.

Through the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony, God endows and blesses the man and woman with special graces commensurate with and corresponding to the state of Marriage and family. Through the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony both the husband and wife receive from God Himself special graces such as: the ability to grow in true love for each other, to be faithful to each other, to be open to procreation and bringing forth with God’s help new life—children, as well as to experience and live the joy of true Friendship with God, the Hidden Partner who is present every step along their pathway to Heaven.

Therefore, we would like to encourage all of those who have chosen the wonderful journey of the Marriage Covenant and commitment by highlighting the many benefits that flow from striving to live out the vocation and Sacrament of Holy Matrimony. God’s presence, grace, and Friendship is never lacking towards those who place their trust in Him. Indeed, “Our help is in the name of the Lord who made heaven and earth” (Ps 124:8) and“If God is with us, who can be against us” (Rom 8:31).

With the reception of the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony you can truly rejoice in these many blessings and still many more…

GOD’S GRACE. By grace is meant His indwelling Presence in the soul. Indeed the name EMMANUEL is so true: “God is with us.” If we have a deep inner conviction that God is with us and we are never alone, then we can experience a peace that goes beyond our wildest imagination. When a child knows that his mother and father are present, he experiences security; lacking knowledge of their presence, the child lives penetrated with fears.

GRACE OF FAITHFULNESS. With Holy Matrimony, God’s grace also entails the safeguard of faithfulness. True, adultery exists and can grow by leaps and bounds, but this is due to our unwillingness to correspond to the Sacramental graces of Holy Matrimony. Whoever plays with fire will get burnt. However, the grace is always present to reject the evil and to accept and do the good.

BLESSINGS OF CHILDREN. No doubt, one of the primary purposes of Holy Matrimony is that of PROCREATION. This key word PROCREATION actually means the art of creating a new life by collaborating with God the Creator. Actually, the husband and wife provide the material means for procreation of the new child. However, in the moment of conception, God Himself intervenes and infuses the immortal soul in that new human being. That soul will exist for all eternity!

1. RAISING OF CHILDREN: FEAR OF THE LORD AND LOVE OF GOD. Obviously, it is not enough to simply conceive the child, allow the child to be born, and say mission completed. Quite the contrary, the raising of the child in the Fear of the Lord and the love of God, and all that refers to God, flows from the reception of Holy Matrimony. Husband and wife, father and mother, loving God and expressing their sincere love for each other is a powerful means to infuse their children with an authentic love for God in their own lives.

2. STABILITY AND PERMANENCE IN MATRIMONY AND THE CHILDREN. Without the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony, a man and woman simply living together have no permanent commitment. Therefore, when times get tough and the initial sentimental and romantic feelings disappear, and another person appears on the scene, how easy it is to jump ship and abandon the children for another partner. Holy Matrimony lived with sincerity and truth establishes both stability and permanence. As a consequence, the children experience a deep sense of security, a sense of concern and love for them that can help them grow to be well-formed and emotionally stable and happy sons and daughters of God.

3. RAISING THE CHILDREN: THE WORK-LOAD IS HALVED. If husband and wife, father and mother, collaborate with the Sacrament of Matrimony and have children then both can work as a team in raising their children. The burden is cut in half. Jesus said: “My yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Mt 11:30) Spiritual-physical-emotional family teamwork diminishes considerably the arduous task of forming children.

4. FAMILY-LIFE IS HEAVEN-BOUND. Another priceless gift that flows from the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony and the authentic Catholic family is the accomplishment of the primary goal and purpose of all of us: to get to Heaven! When Father and Mother, husband and wife, live out their Sacramental life to the fullest by participating in the Sacramental life of the Church, the children receive a bountiful down pouring of graces. Seeing Mom and Dad receiving Holy Communion with faith, love and fervor is a powerful magnetic force that can attract and pull their children into the same practice. Words can be cheap, example most powerful!

5. AUTHENTIC OUTPOURING OF LOVE. The husband and wife, the father and mother, who strive to live out the Gospel’s mandate of love, “Love one another as I have loved you” (Jn 15-12), pour forth this love on their children. In a word, we all want to be loved but we cannot give what we do not have ourselves. Once the couple experience God’s overflowing love, they can love each other, and then that love pours down upon their children. Permeated by God’s love flowing down from the hearts of loving spouses and parents, these children can radiate and transmit love in a world so inundated by egoism and selfishness.

6. GOOD ADVICE THAT LASTS A LIFE-TIME. Also flowing from the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony is the grace of the Holy Spirit upon parents to counsel, to direct, to guide their children on the right path. Parents can help their children to choose the right Higher Education, the right profession, and finally the right life-vocation. The Gift of the Holy Spirit of Counsel comes from the proper reception of the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony.

7. THE HOLY FAMILY AS MODEL. Of course, the best model for all families is the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Saint Joseph. Mary was and is the perfect wife and Mother, and Saint Joseph, the perfect husband and father. Clearly Jesus was the perfect Son. All true and authentic families should lift their gaze and contemplate Jesus, Mary and Saint Joseph as role models for their own lives and growth in holiness!

Closing prayer: “Jesus, Mary and Joseph, I give you my heart and my soul. Jesus, Mary and Joseph, make my heart like unto thine; Jesus, Mary and Joseph, assist me in my last agony. Jesus, Mary and Joseph, I breath forth my soul unto thee.”

May 19 2022

ARE YOU GOOD AT WELCOMING AND GREETING

ARE YOU GOOD AT WELCOMING AND GREETING? One of the essential dimensions of cultivating the social virtues is the capacity to both greet and welcome individuals, as well as groups. Most would agree that the first impression we have of another leaves a profound impact for good or for bad.

On the negative side, when somebody ignores us, overlooks us, snubs us, or even glares at us ending with a sarcastic and derisive smile, it truly cuts us to the heart and can leave an indelible wound. Expecting a warm greeting and receiving quite the contrary, or even being completely ignored, can result in anger, resentment and even a desire for revenge in the depths of our heart.

Therefore, as authentic followers of Christ, should we not make a concerted effort on our part to improve and upgrade our greetings and welcoming attitudes? Especially in the realm of apostolic efficacy, a warm greeting can open a heart to follow Christ, whereas a snub and cold stare can shut the door to Christ.

This may catch many of us by surprise, or even shock us, but there are many Biblical passages dealing directly with greeting and welcoming others. Let’s contemplate a few.

1. THE ARCHANGEL GABRIEL AND MARY. (Lk 1:26-38)

Of all of the greetings in the history of the world, the Archangel Gabriel’s greeting to the Blessed Virgin Mary is the most prominent, as well as significant: “Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you.” This greeting would culminate in Mary’s consent to conceiving the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity in her most pure womb. “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. (Jn 1:14) In fact, every time we pray the Hail Mary, we renew this Angelic salutation. For that reason, the technical name for the Hail Mary is actually “The Angelic salutation.”

2. THE VISITATION. (Lk 1:39-56)

A rapid sequel to the Archangel’s greeting in the Annunciation to Mary is Our Lady’s quick response, as she moves in haste to visit her elderly cousin Elizabeth who is with child. Upon arriving, Mary greets Elizabeth, most likely with the Hebrew manner of greeting: Shalom —Peace be with you! Saint Elizabeth responds: “Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb. Who am I that the Mother of my Lord should come to me? At the sound of your greeting the baby in my womb leapt for joy. Blessed are you for your firm belief that the word of the Lord would be accomplished in you.”

3. ZACCHAEUS, CHIEF TAX-COLLECTOR OF JERICHO. (Lk 19:1-10)

In the case of this short tax-collector who is ready and willing to climb a tree to see Jesus, we witness another greeting and welcome. Almost always Jesus was formally greeted and welcomed into homes. In the case of Jesus, He actually invites Himself into the home of Zacchaeus, and the little man joyfully welcomes Him. Overflowing with joy Jesus responds: “Today salvation has arrived at this home.” How often has Jesus knocked on the door of our heart seeking entrance? How often have we failed to open the door?

4. SAINT MATTHEW. (Mt 9:9-13)

Jesus approaches the tax-collectors’ post where Matthew is seated. Peering into the eyes and penetrating the depths of the soul of this Publican (tax collector), Jesus says two words: “Follow Me!” Without a moment of hesitation, Matthew accepts the invitation and leaves all that he has to follow the Master. That very night Matthew prepares a banquet for Jesus, inviting many of his friends—tax collectors and sinners, so they too can meet the Lord. Matthew greets Jesus and welcomes Him into his home with overflowing joy!

5. BETHANY: MARY AND MARTHA AND LAZARUS. (Lk 10:38-42)

Among the most dear friends of Jesus during the three years of His Public Ministry were Mary, Martha, and their brother Lazarus. Living close to Jerusalem in the town of Bethany, they would often invite Jesus and welcome Him as their guest. Polar opposites in temperament, Martha and Mary served Jesus each in their own unique manner. Busy and active to her very core, Martha practiced the most minute details of hospitality. Quiet and more reserved and contemplative by nature, Mary loved to sit at the feet of Jesus and listen to Him, speak to Him, and simply be present to Him as a friend.

The above are five classical examples of different Biblical personalities and their attitude in both greeting and welcoming Jesus. We might even call these Biblical figures: THE SHALOM COMMITTEE! (PEACE BE WITH YOU—SHALOM!)

Let us step back and examine our own lives, the people we meet and the opportunities that God presents to us to exercise the Apostolate of Shalom, the greeting and welcoming Club!

6. FAMILY MEMBERS.

If you are a homemaker, as well as wife and Mother, you most likely have the golden opportunity every day to both greet and welcome family members home. Welcoming your husband with a hug, a smile, and a refreshing drink can turn his long and tiring day into an oasis of peace. Also, receiving and welcoming your children with a joyful smile, milk and cookies, and words of encouragement can make a world of difference from the tough, aggressive and cold external social milieu they encounter every day.

7. GREETING FRIENDS AND ACQUAINTANCES.

A simple question for your examination? Upon seeing a friend or acquaintance approach, do you wait for them to greet you? Or do you make an effort to take the initiative and greet them first? Taking the initiative, there is real virtue practiced in this assertive approach. Humility, courtesy, and even charity emanates from the first to greet! Who knows, maybe you can even win a new friend by taking the initiative to greet first with a winsome smile!

8. GREETING THE HOME-BOUND, THE SICK AND THE LONELY.

One of the most pleasing gestures that we can do for others, and so pleasing to God, is to go out of our way to visit those who are sick and abandoned, lonely and depressed. A greeting, a smile, a kind word, a holy card, a hug or embrace can pull those lonely persons dwelling in the valley of tears into the light of God’s joy and happiness! Jesus will reward us: “Whatever you do to the least of these brothers/sisters of mine, you do to me.” (Mt 25:40)

9. GREETING JESUS IN THE CHURCH.

Another noteworthy greeting is towards Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in the context of the Church. This can be done in two ways: Eucharistic visits and Eucharistic receptions! One of the first short poems that I learned as a child was the following: “Whenever I see a Church I stop to make a visit, so that when I die the Lord won’t say, ‘Who is it?’” Upon entering a Catholic Church, we should immediately draw close to the Tabernacle, the home of Jesus in the Church, and greet Him. First, we make a genuflection towards the Lord of Lords and the King of Kings. Next, we greet Him and welcome Him by opening up our heart to Him in fervent prayer. Then of greatest importance, we participate fully, actively and consciously in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. The culminating moment is to greet Jesus and warmly welcome Him into the very depths of our heart in Holy Communion. This Eucharistic welcome and greeting is by far the most important in this world. May we strive to improve and upgrade our welcome and greeting of our Eucharistic Lord!

10. HEAVENLY WELCOME COMMITTEE.

Now, as a conclusion, if during the short course of our earthly existence, we have sincerely striven to be that kind, warm, attentive, greeting and welcoming person towards our family, our neighbors, the sick and lonely, even strangers, and most important, towards Our Eucharistic Lord in the Mass and in Adoration, then one day we will have our own welcoming committee—Jesus and His Heavenly Mother Mary, surrounded by the angels and saints, will welcome us into the halls and eternal banquet of Heaven to rejoice with them forever and ever!

Mar 19 2022

NAAMAN

Jan 25 2022

SAINT JOHN THE EVANGELIST AND THE PRIESTHOOD

On the front cover of the book In Sinu Jesu, Our Lord and Savior Jesus is depicted at the Last Supper. With bread in one hand and the sign of blessing in the other can also be seen an Apostle resting on His shoulder: the person of Saint John the Evangelist. On the table in front of both Jesus and Saint John is a chalice.

This Biblical artistic scene portrays in a graphic version two Sacraments that were instituted in the context of the Last Supper: the Sacrament of the most Holy Eucharist, as well as the Sacrament of Holy Orders. Both are intimately interconnected. Without the Sacrament of Holy Orders, the Holy Eucharist cannot exist. The Cure of Ars expressed this truth more or less in these words: “No priest, no Mass; no Mass, no Consecration; no Consecration, no Real Presence of Jesus; no Real Presence of Jesus, no Holy Communion, and we become spiritual orphans.”

In order for the Church to exist and function fully, the Priesthood is not secondary or an accessory or ornamental, rather, the Priesthood is essential. Therefore, it is incumbent upon all, both laity as well as those endowed with Holy Orders, to pray for more priests, but not simply quantity, rather to pray for holy priests, those endowed with the Sacrament of Holy Orders who are sincerely striving to attain holiness of life.

People depend directly on the grace of God, but the grace of God emanates and pours forth through the vessel of the Priesthood. God can work even through a poor or mediocre priest. However, usually God’s grace manifests its strength and force more abundantly through the priest who is honestly striving on a daily basis for authentic holiness of life.

How could a dump of a place, ransacked and devastated by the French Revolution, be transformed into a community of fervent and saintly people—this place being the little town of Ars? The response is simple and to the point: the holiness of that one priest who begged the Lord to send him any suffering so as the save his Parish and parishioners. That priest was Saint John Marie Vianney—commonly known as the Cure of Ars.

Returning to Saint John the Evangelist, why is it that this saint whose image is depicted on the front cover of the book In Sinu Jesu becomes the entrance gate to what is becoming a modern spiritual classic?

In this book that was written by an Irish Benedictine monk, the person of Saint John the Evangelist returns time and time again. The fundamental reason for the frequent presence of Saint John the Evangelist is this simple reason: Saint John, also nicknamed by Jesus with his brother James as Boanerges—meaning “sons of thunder”, is a model for all priests, as well as Bishops.

Therefore, let us pray fervently for all priests to Jesus the High-priest, to Mary the Mother of priests, but also to Saint John the Evangelist that priests will contemplate and pray to this saint to help them grow in holiness in their vocation and state—that of the holy priesthood.

The following points accentuate and highlight the characteristics of Saint John the Evangelist as model, friend, pattern and intercessor of priests. Even the worst of priests, living in whatever country, situation or social milieu in the world, can still become a super-star priest. This depends on one primary condition: to trust infinitely in the mercy of God and beg the Lord Jesus, Mary and Saint John for a new heart. It is never too late! Saint Paul reminds us: “Where sin abounds, the mercy of God abounds all the more.” (Romans 5:20) Jesus said to Saint Faustina that the worst sinner can become the greatest saint under one condition: INFINITE TRUST IN THE INFINITE MERCY OF GOD!

What then are the characteristics of Saint John the Evangelist as model and pattern for priests? There are many! May priests utilize this for meditation; may lay people use this in their fervent prayers for priests and future priests.

1. CHOSEN. Saint John the Evangelist was chosen by Jesus Christ to be His follower as a priest—Jesus Christ, the Model of all priests and the High-priest Himself, who chooses some individuals to follow Him in the priestly vocation. This choice came simply from a pure and gratuitous love that Jesus had for Saint John, as well as for all priests. Of course those who are chosen must say YES to the call. God’s love must be accepted freely and without coercion.

2. JOHN SPENT THE WHOLE AFTERNOON WITH JESUS. (Jn 1:38-39) In the Gospel of Saint John, the very first chapter after the beautiful Prologue, John the Baptist points to Jesus as the Lamb of God to two of his disciples—John and Andrew. They follow Jesus and He turns around asking what they are searching for? Then Jesus invites them to spend the afternoon with Him. It all started that day about 4:00 p.m.—as Saint John takes care to point out—a critical hour that radically changed their lives. Like John, the priest must have experienced that special day, that hour, that precise moment when Jesus became real to him. That precise moment was that moment of grace when, like John the Evangelist, the priest became convinced of the personal love that Jesus has for him.

3. FROM FISHERS IN LAKE GALILEE TO FISHERS OF MEN. Jesus was preaching on the shore of Lake Galilee, then in the boat of Peter to the multitude that stood on the shore. The preaching finished, Jesus told Peter to go out into the deep and to drop the nets. Obedient to the command of the Master, Peter dropped the nets and caught so many fish that he had to summon James and John to help haul the fish to the shore. Then Jesus gave the definite call: “Do not be afraid. From now on you will be fishers of men.” At that moment, Peter, James and John left all to follow Jesus. Like Saint John, in this also critical moment the priest must learn the true freedom that comes from leaving all to follow Christ. Money, possessions, power, fame, material goods—all are freely surrendered for something much greater: a dynamic and deep Friendship with Jesus. Indeed, in having Jesus as the center of their lives, they have all. The priest who focuses upon Christ as the center of his whole existence will experience a perpetual state of joy in the depths of his soul.

4. THE TRANSFIGURATION EXPERIENCE. Peter, James and John were privileged in experiencing a foretaste of Heaven. On the top of Mount Tabor, bathed and transfigured in light, Jesus spoke freely with Moses and Elijah. Then the voice of God the Father could be clearly heard: “This is my Beloved Son—listen to Him.” (Mt 17:5) Jesus was encouraging His three best friends with a foretaste of Heavenly glory. The priest lives on earth, but with his mind and heart directed to the glory of Heaven. The virtue of hope will buoy the priest above and beyond the daily trials and crosses that are part and parcel of following Christ.

5. BOANERGES—SONS OF THUNDER. In a very loving, kind and charming manner, Jesus gave two of His best friends, James and John, a nickname—Boanerges, meaningSons of thunder!!! The priest should be a son of thunder in that he should thunder against sin, and have a roaring thunder and fire in his heart for love of Jesus! The Lord Jesus Himself declared: “I have come to cast fire on the earth and I am not at peace until that fire be enkindled.” (Lk 12:49)

6. THE LAST SUPPER: JOHN RESTS ON THE HEART OF JESUS. One of the patron saints for the Sacred Heart of Jesus is none other than Saint John the Evangelist. Why? One of the primary reasons is that there at the Last Supper, Saint John leaned over to rest his head on the Sacred Heart of Jesus. John listened to Jesus’ heartbeats of love. Every priest is summoned to draw close to Christ and to rest on His Sacred Heart. Jesus invites: “Come to me all of you and I will give you rest; for I am meek and humble of heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Mt 11:28-30) Like John, may the priest find rest in the Sacred Heart of Jesus—his true refuge and haven against the storms of life.

7. AT PRAYER, JOHN FALLS ASLEEP. It is a Biblical-Gospel truth: John fell asleep when Jesus really needed his prayer and friendship. John was not perfect! There is the perennial danger for all Catholics—and this does include the priest—of falling asleep in prayer when we should be wide awake and vigilant. The primary reason for the fall of a priest is precisely this: lack of prayer and lack of fervent prayer. Indeed, prayer is truly Friendship with Jesus. May priests learn the art of praying even in the difficult moments of desolation. Indeed the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.

8. AT THE FOOT OF THE CROSS. There at the foot of the cross on Calvary that first Good Friday were present three of Jesus’ best of friends: The Magdalene, John the Evangelist, and Jesus’ Mother, Our Lady of Sorrows. Venerable Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen depicts the three as representing three different styles of life: Mary Magdalene represents the true Penitent—the sinner repentant and sorrowful for the sins of their past. Our Lady represents total Innocence—the Immaculate one. Saint John, according to Sheen, represents the Priesthood. Quite understandable given that John stands under the cross, as it were offering Jesus, the Innocent Victim, to God the Father for the salvation of the world. Every Mass that is offered, in any time or place, the priest transports back to Calvary with Jesus hanging on the cross. The fruits of Calvary and the Mass are timeless and infinite!

9. JESUS: MARY AND SAINT JOHN. From the pulpit of the cross, Jesus delivers His last and greatest sermon. These would be His famous “Seven Last Words…”. One of these words or short phrases was directed at His Mother Mary and His Beloved Disciple, Saint John. Jesus said: “Woman behold thy son; son behold thy Mother; then the beloved disciple took Mary into his home.” (Jn 19:26-27) Like Saint John, the Beloved disciple and Apostle, every priest must invite Mary into his home. By home, in a spiritual but a very profound sense, is meant their very heart. John invited Mary into his heart to be his loving Mother forever. Every successful man must have a woman behind him. In the case of the priest that woman is the Blessed Virgin Mary—his loving and tender Heavenly Mother.

10. HIS HEART WAS PIERCED WITH THE LANCE: BLOOD AND WATER CAME GUSHING FORTH. After Jesus breathed forth his last, the soldier came and pierced His side with the lance; then Blood and water came gushing forth. Saint John was an eye-witness of this heart-rending event. The Church teaches that the Blood and water symbolize the Church and its Sacramental life. Most specifically, the Blood and water symbolize Baptism and Confession (the water), and the most Holy Eucharist (the Blood). The priest must be motivated with great love to celebrate the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Also, the priest should have a great desire to bring back wandering souls to Jesus the Good Shepherd by means of the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Our prayer, desire and hope is that Saint John the Evangelist, presented as a model for priests in In Sinu Jesus, will serve as a model and pattern for every priest to meditate upon, pray over and imitate. More than anything else, Saint John allowed the love of Jesus to penetrate his whole being, to the very fiber of his being. For Saint John, and hopefully for every priest, Jesus is the end all, the alpha and omega, the Principle and Foundation of his existence. For Saint John, Jesus was His Lord and God, His Master and Teacher, His Redeemer and Savior, and most especially, His Best Friend. May all priests take Saint John as a model priest on which to pattern the essence of their priestly life. Indeed, Jesus is and always will be the BEST OF FRIENDS WHO WILL NEVER FAIL US!!!