Why did it have to be a friend
who chose to betray the Lord?
And why did he use a kiss to show them
that’s not what a kiss is for?
Only a friend can betray a friend
a stranger has nothing to gain,
and only a friend comes close enough
to ever cause so much pain.

And why did there have to be a
thorny crown pressed upon His head?
It should have been a royal one,
made of jewels and gold instead.
It had to be a crown of thorns
because, in this life that we live,
for all who would seek to love
a thorn is all this world has to give.

And why did it have to be
a heavy cross he was made to bear?
and why did they nail His feet and hands?
His love would have held Him there.
It was a cross, for on a cross
a thief was supposed to pay,
and Jesus had come into this world
to steal every heart away.

Michael Card

The Celtic Prayer Book
June 27th, Finian Readings

There is no pain like betrayal of friends, of loved ones.  Having been trusted with access to our inner hearts and souls, their betrayal leaves us feeling naked, raw, bruised.  It becomes startlingly difficult to trust again, to stretch out our withered hand, to touch the hem.  Guarded hearts keep our doors closed to new friends.  Guarded smiles hide our true thoughts.  And yet, Jesus still died for his friends, and he forgave them.  Following Jesus is really hard.  Sigh.