Friendships

Friendships

Learning Goals

• From the time of creation, human persons were established in friendship with God. ӹ ӹ We are made in God’s image and likeness, which calls us to be in communion with one another.

• We were established in a state of Original Justice in the garden, by which we were in harmony with ourselves, others, and God.

• Friendship is necessary for us as persons.

• Friendship is experienced in different ways throughout our lives but should always lead us closer to Christ.

Vocabulary

• Original Justice: The original state of human beings before sin. In the beginning there was no suffering or death, man was at peace with himself, there was harmony between men and women, and there was peace between Adam and Eve and all of creation. Original Justice was lost due to the Original Sin.

• Friendship: A relationship between two or more people brought together for a common reason or purpose. In friendships, we first learn to love and respect others and to receive love and respect from others

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Multiple Choice

human state before the Fall

• original sin

• original justice

• friendship

Multiple Choice

relationship between 2 or more people founded on a common purpose

• original sin

• original justice

• friendship

Garden

by Matt Maher

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pe5WdaoRc7c

Open Ended

To whom do you think the musician is singing?

Open Ended

What do you think the musician means when he says, “You walk with me, you never leave”?

Open Ended

Where have you seen God “walk with you” in your own life?

Open Ended

Why do you think the musician asks, “Why would I hide away from your face?” What event could he be referring to?

Friendships

There are many saints, such as St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi, who had beautiful friendships. Francis and Clare encouraged each other to grow in holiness and also enjoyed spending time together. When Clare was young, she joined a convent under the order of St. Francis. Her family was against her lifestyle of poverty and prayer and wanted her to marry. Clare refused, saying she would have no husband but Christ. Francis was able to send Clare to a different convent, where she would have greater solitude and the opportunity to grow in holiness. Clare saw Francis as a spiritual father and took care of him in his old age. St. Francis of Assisi is one of the most well-known saints and the two religious orders started by Francis and Clare still exist today. These saints were truly able to do great things with the help and encouragement they received through their friendship.

Open Ended

What do you think is the ultimate purpose of friendship is?

Open Ended

What can the story of Francis and Clare teach us about friendship?

Open Ended

Proverbs 27:17 says, “Iron is sharpened by iron; one person sharpens another.” This Scripture verse refers to how our friendships can help us become better and holier. Describe a friendship in your life that has brought you closer to God.