Universal Utterings®
for April 22, 2024

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04-22-2024 Sirach 37 V0406 Friend harmful versus friend good

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The Book of Sirach Ch 37 v- Four thru Six

4 A harmful friend will look to your table, but in time of trouble he stands aloof. 5 A good friend will fight with you against the foe, and against your enemies he will hold up your shield. 6 Do not forget your comrade during the battle, and do not neglect him when you distribute your spoils.

Harmful friends are those who only seek to benefit from your successes and are quick to distance themselves in times of need. They may gossip behind your back, take advantage of your kindness, or manipulate you for their own gain. These friends often bring negativity and drama into your life, leaving you feeling drained and unappreciated.

On the other hand, good friends are the ones who stand by your side through thick and thin. They offer unwavering support, genuine care, and loyalty. A good friend will not hesitate to defend you, offer a listening ear, or lend a helping hand when you need it most. They will celebrate your successes, comfort you in times of sorrow, and always have your best interests at heart.

In essence, harmful friends will only bring toxicity and harm into your life, while good friends will enrich it with love, laughter, and meaningful connections. It is important to surround yourself with people who uplift you, inspire you, and bring out the best in you. Choose your friends wisely, as they can greatly impact your happiness and well-being.

This deep spiritual experience and understanding of the presence of Christ in our lives can create a profound bond between individuals who have shared friendships, such as those who attend the Walk to Emmaus retreat together. The shared journey of faith, reflection, and growth during the retreat can bring people closer together, forming a strong foundation for a lifelong friendship. My NJ Emmaus I attended over the weekend created just that; lifelong friends in Christ Jesus!

As we come to know and experience the love of Christ through the teachings and practices of the retreat, we are inspired to live out our faith in a more authentic and meaningful way. This shared commitment to following Christ and living out his teachings can create a sense of unity and connection among retreat participants, leading to the formation of deep and lasting friendships.

In this way, good friends become like brothers and sisters in Christ, supporting and encouraging each other in their faith journey and walking alongside each other as they strive to live out the love of Christ in their daily lives. The shared experience of encountering the presence of Christ in the Eucharist and in each other can strengthen the bonds of friendship and create a sense of spiritual family among retreat participants.

This sense of solidarity and mutual support can be a source of great comfort and encouragement as individuals continue to grow in their faith and deepen their relationship with Christ. The brothers in New Jersey surely did not disappoint is this a Florida boy enjoyed living in the spirit with these men of faith. The relationships that were created this weekend already seem like lifelong friends learning you can call on your brothers in Christ in times of need rang prevalent amongst these men. Amen.

Join me as we pray our daily prayer of forgiveness. The Lord’s Prayer.

At the Savior's command and formed by divine teaching, we dare to say:

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil, graciously grant peace in our days, that, by the help of your mercy, we may be always free from sin and safe from all distress, as we await the blessed hope and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours now and for ever. Amen.

I am sorry Lord. I believe You died and rose for me. Please forgive me as I forgive others. I share You as my Lord and Savior seeking to live your Will in all things. Prayers for wife Toni and my mother Betty pray for our children especially our two oldest Alexandra & Allen Son in Law Mark Stern; Julian, Gabriel and Jeffrey and our grandchildren Oliver, Julian and Elliott. We pray for those we’ve said we’d pray for and those who’ve asked us to pray for them. We pray for the dying as we do each day Lord give them peace in their last breath. We pray for Holy Mother Church. Our prayers for our niece Brittany. In Jesus Precious Blood by His Name we pray. Amen.

I am a poet obedient to Christ,
Catholic Evangelist Thomas Cruz†Wiggins

Practice. Pray. Proclaim. ®
†Spirit led God inspired Christ fed†®
Ephesians 6:17-20

04-21-2024 Sirach 37 v-0406

**Harmful or Good Friend**

Harmful friends, like shadows in the night,

They linger at your table, but never in sight,

When troubles come, they vanish in the dark,

Leaving you alone to fight the what’s stark.

But a good friend, a beacon in the storm,

Stands by your side, his heart always warm,

He fights with you, against all odds,

Protecting you from mishap, like a shield of our God.

Choose your friends wisely, my dear,

For in times of need, it will always be clear,

Who is true and who is fake,

A harmful friend, or a good one to make. Amen.

© Thomas Joe Cruz†Wiggins

April 22, 2024 @ 04:33 AM EST

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