Friendship is one of the greatest gifts a human being can receive. It is a bond beyond common goals, common interests, or common histories. It is a bond stronger than sexual union can create, deeper than a shared fate can solidify, and even more intimate than the bonds of marriage or community. Friendship is being with the other in joy and sorrow, even when we cannot increase the joy or decrease the sorrow. It is a unity of souls that gives nobility and sincerity to love. Friendship makes all of life shine brightly. Blessed are those who lay down their lives for their friends.
emphasis mine
Windows Toward the World 
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January 8, 2009 at 11:43 am
Karen Hopper
Very well said, and love your emphasis’ points.
January 8, 2009 at 1:13 pm
helenl
Hi Karen, It seems Nouwen speaks to many of us.
November 17, 2011 at 4:42 am
Bengt
A little bit late… Thanks for the quote. Do you now where it comes from (book, page,…)? What would you suggest me to read if I wan’t to study Nouwen’s theology of friendship?
November 17, 2011 at 12:51 pm
helenl
Bengt, This is the January 7 entry in Bread For the Journey: A Daybook of Wisdom and Faith by Henri J. M. Nouwen. As far as Nouwen’s theology of friendship, I am not able to advise you.
Like many prolific pastors, preachers, and priests, Nouwen used ideas in various homilies and writings. You might try Reaching Out: The Three Movements of the Spiritual Life (Image Books, Doubleday, 1975) or Lifesigns: Intimacy, Fecundity and Ecstasy In Christian Perspective (Image Books, Doubleday, 1986).