One of my favorite biblical passages is from the Gospel of John:  “I have called you friends.”  That is how my relationship with God is.  We are friends.  Not just the kind of friend who tells you what you want to know but, one of those friends who knows you so well they can look you in the eye and know what you’re thinking, if you’re telling the truth, in a bad or good mood and can challenge you with the hard things, the honest truth. 

That kind of friendship is, as the commercial says, “priceless.” 

As we reflect on what it means for God to call us friend, I invite you to listen to this song written by Sr. Rita McManus, OP and sung by Sisters Sue Zemgulis, Carol Davis, and me. 

I set my rainbow in the sky

above the clouds so bright and high. 

It speaks of promise that never ends,

my faithful love – I call you friend. 

I walk with you in all your ways,

it was my love that fashioned you.

To be a people I call my own,

walk close to me – I call you friend. 

I call each one by your own name

and you are precious in my sight. 

I hold your hand- Do not be afraid,

I am your God – I call you friend. 

You are my friends, not servants now

for I have told you everything. 

Live in my love ‘til I come again,

complete your joy – I call you friend. 

And in the breaking of the bread

you will remember all I said. 

My Holy Spirit to you I send

and my own peace – I call you friend. 

Though now you see as in a glass

that day will dawn when face to face,

in radiant joy that will never end

you’ll know the one who calls you friend.