S18 E24 - Friendship in the Lord: Covenant Love and Celibacy (Chapters 11 & 12, Epilogue)
About This Episode
In this episode, we conclude our book study on Friendship in the Lord and welcome Fr. John Burns, Founder of Friends of the Bridegroom, to the podcast. We reflect on our deep longing to be known and loved and the ways fear can cause us to cling to others or settle for lesser goods. We talk about hoping for the possibility of beautiful friendship, even when our own experience has been marked by loneliness, disappointment, or suffering. We also discuss the beauty of celibate friendship as a witness to the primacy of God’s love, the role of feedback in relationships, and how the limitations we encounter in friendship ultimately reveal the deeper truth that we were made for God.
Friends, we feel so blessed to have been able to journey with you this summer. We will see you on September 28th for the start of Season 19! Sign up for our newsletter or follow us on Instagram to receive updates!
Be sure to subscribe to the Abiding Together Podcast on YouTube to watch our video podcasts!
Show Notes
Announcement:
If you’d like a copy of Friendship in the Lord, you can buy your copy from Ave Maria Press (or Amazon).
Discussion Questions:
What has resonated with you in the book?
How do you want to show up to your friendships differently?
What would it look like to have hope in difficult or painful relationships?
How are you seeking to grow in maturity in your friendships?
Journal Questions:
How has God moved my heart through this book study?
Where in my heart am I longing for more hope in my relationships?
How has this book study given me more hope for more friendships?
How am I avoiding suffering?
What are my relational patterns when I experience joy? Shame? Suffering?
How have I been tempted to idolize friendship by seeing a friend as my savior?
Quote to Ponder:
“There is no true love without reverence. And reverence is always tender.”
Scripture for Lectio Divina:
“He who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. For this reason my joy has been fulfilled.”
This episode is sponsored by:
Ave Maria Press
Enjoyed reading Friendship in the Lord this summer? Ave Maria Press has even more spiritual titles you’ll love. Explore more Christian classics, find your next small group book study or daily Advent companion, and discover guides to deeper healing and spiritual confidence. Ave Maria Press has curated a collection specifically for Abiding Together listeners—encounter your next meaningful read at avemariapress.com.