Are there people who need the friendship that you can bring? They need the friendship that you have with Jesus, too - Daily Bible Reflections May 20,2015

UNFRIENDLY?   “As you sent me into the world, so I sent them into the world.” – John 17:18          A new research study released by the Barna Group reports that around three out of every five young Christians leave church after the age of 15. Why? I can sum up the many reasons in one word: “unfriendliness” of Christians to the world they’re sent to.          About 25 percent say they feel “Christians demonize everything outside of the Church.” About 35 percent say Christians are “too confident they know all the answers.” Seventeen percent said they’ve “made mistakes and felt judged in Church.”        When economic crisis and depressing news were all the headlines could offer, two Purdue University students decided to lift the spirits of people on campus. Cameron Brown and Brett Westcott set aside two hours every Wednesday afternoon to simply stand along a busy walkway holding a large “Free Compliments” sign. There they say nice things to everyone who walks by. “I like your red coat.” “Very nice smile.” In fact, a good number of students said they deliberately choose the path where “the compliment guys” are, just to hear a kind word.        Thank You, Lord, there are still those who understand what You want us to do. Jon Escoto (faithatworkjon@gmail.com)   Reflection: Are there people who need the friendship that you can bring? They need the friendship that you have with Jesus, too.   Father, give me the desire to go out of my comfortable circle of “good” Christian friends, and make friends with someone who needs You. Amen.   St. Bernardine of Siena, priest, pray for us.