About this episode

The episode begins a summer book study on 'Friendship in the Lord' focusing on themes of authentic friendship and self-protection in relationships.

In this episode, we begin our summer book study on Friendship in the Lord by Fr. Paul Hinnebusch, OP. We focus on the foreword and prologue and reflect on the difference between prudence and fear, the ways we self-protect in relationships, and our longing for authentic communion. We also talk about what it means to love without possessing, how to receive others as a gift, and why friendship is a foretaste of heaven. Other Resources Mentioned: Friendship in the Lord Study Webpage Small Group Discussion Guide Announcement: If you'd like a copy of Friendship in the Lord, you can buy your copy from Ave Maria Press (or Amazon ). Journal Questions: How do I self protect and hide myself in my relationships? When have I felt embarrassed by my own need for friendship? Do I allow people to be free in my relationships? How has a friend failed me and how have I failed a friend? Discussion Questions: How do you define good friendship? How have your friendships brought you closer to the Lord? How is God inviting you to bring your relationships into closer communion with God? When have you experienced possessiveness in your friendships? What hopes and desires do I have for my friendships…

People in this episode

Hosts: Heather Khym, Michelle Benzinger, Sr Miriam James Heidland

Topics covered

• friendship
• authentic communion
• self-protection in relationships
• love without possession
• Christianity
• spiritual growth

Keywords

• friendship
• self-protection
• authentic communion
• Christianity
• Fr. Paul Hinnebusch
• love
• spirituality

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Ave Maria Press, Amazon

Books & works: Friendship in the Lord, Friendship in the Lord Study Webpage, Small Group Discussion Guide

More episodes of Abiding Together

• S18 E20 - Friendship in the Lord: Friendship is Two People Growing (Chapters 3 & 4) · July 20, 2026 · 36 min
• S18 E19 - Friendship in the Lord: What Friendship Means (Chapters 1 & 2) · July 13, 2026 · 31 min
• S18 E17 - The End of A Season · May 25, 2026 · 35 min
• S18 E16 - Preparing for Pentecost · May 18, 2026 · 36 min
• S18 E15 - Sacred Wounds · May 11, 2026 · 40 min
• S18 E14 - Prophetic Motherhood · May 4, 2026 · 38 min

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Abiding Together podcast page.