John 15:13-16

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

John 15:13-16

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The Raising of Lazarus

[public domain]

The Raising of Lazarus, by Rembrandt, 1630-1632

Jesus works miracles
for His dearest friends
only after He has
tested their faith.
He let Lazarus die,
even though Martha and Mary
sent word that he was sick.
But after the trial, what rewards!
Lazarus rises from the dead.

St. Thérèse of Lisieux

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