But only those with eyes of faith see those Holy Things and take off their shoes. The rest sit round and pluck blackberries. Through the eyes of faith we understand that even picking blackberries can lead us into the presence of the Holy. But then, something happens that causes us to realize how important are our friends. Friends are not just for going out to dinner.
Friends are for survival.
They empower our life. They make life not just worth living, but genuinely meaningful. In the midst of their grief, on the Holy Ground Of the Ordinary, Mary and Martha experienced the Holy in this friendship. My hosannas were forged in the crucible of my doubts. To go through a time of doubt may very well plant you on Holy Ground in the very presence of God.