Among the most penetrating and amazing words in Scripture is “But I have called you friends.” Who are we that Jesus would care to be our friend? And yet that is his Heart’s desire (and not only to be friend but also to be espoused to us!). What will be our answer when he knocks and shows his face at the lattice of our souls?

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What have I that You care to be my friend?
   What interest could you possibly pursue,
   That at my doorstep, Jesus, drenched with dew
The dismal nights of wintertime You spend?
My insides must be slabs of pure concrete;
   I opened not for You! A monstrous thing,
   If my ingratitude’s raw, icy sting
Dried out the wounds of You most holy feet!
How may times my angel did proclaim:
   “Look out the window now, oh soul, and see
   How He persists to call with love aflame”!
And, oh, how many, Beauteous Majesty,
   “Tomorrow we will open” I would claim
   To have my words the same tomorrow be!

Lope Félix de Vega Carpio