Show Notes

Episode 51. Holy Friendship w/ Fr. Luke Marquard

Episode 51. Holy Friendship w/ Fr. Luke Marquard

"I no longer call you slaves, because a slave does not know what his master is doing. I have called you friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father."
~ John 15:15

Friendship is one of the highest experiences of human life, but it can also be the source of some of our greatest pains and struggles. Why do we desire deep and abiding friendship? Are all friendships the same? What does the Lord desire in our friendships, and which friends are best for us?

In episode 51 of This Whole Life, Pat is again joined by guest Fr. Luke Marquard to delve into the complex and profound topic of holy friendships. They explore the various levels of friendship, the importance of deep connections, and the role of faith in nurturing meaningful relationships. Drawing from personal experiences and insightful reflections, they highlight the beauty of seeing others as gifts and the pursuit of heavenly glory within friendships. Fr. Luke shares valuable insights on the influence of virtue, intentionally seeking of like-minded individuals while allowing ourselves to be challenged and stretched by our friends. With heartfelt discussions on the challenges of loneliness, manipulation in relationships, and the importance of incorporating Christ as the center of it all, this episode offers invaluable guidance for listeners seeking to deepen their connections and appreciate the gift of true friendships.

Fr. Luke Marquard is pastor of St. Joseph Catholic Church in West St. Paul, Minnesota.

Show Notes

  • Aristotle’s Levels of Friendship

    • Friendship of Utility

    • Friendship of Pleasure

    • True friendship

    "I no longer call you slaves, because a slave does not know what his master is doing. I have called you friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father."
    ~ John 15:15

  • If I’m struggling to find good, true friends:
    1. Where am I looking?
    2. Do I know how to be alone? Do I have recreation?

Challenge By Choice

Gratitude for an existing friendship & deepening a developing friendship

  1. Find a tangible way to connect with an existing friend just to say, “I really appreciate your friendship.”

  2. Reach out to someone who might benefit from deepening a friendship with you and vice versa, and seek a way to grow that holy friendship.

Reflection Questions

For personal reflection or group discussion

  1. What is one specific thing that stuck with you from this conversation?

  2. Who are your best friends? What makes them so valuable to you?

  3. Can you identify people in your life at all three levels of friendship? What feelings or reflections do you have about the people at those levels?

  4. How might healthy recreation and solitude lead to better and deeper friendships?

  5. What is the Christian vision of friendship, and how is it distinct from a more worldly version of friendship?

  6. When has someone been a true friend to you, and how did it impact your life?