Episode 2271: True Friendship - Nightly Episode

“O my God, at the end of this day I thank You most heartily for all the graces I have received from You. I am sorry that I have not made better use of them. I am sorry for all the sins I have committed against You. Forgive me, O my God, and graciously protect me this night. Blessed Virgin Mary, my dear heavenly mother, take me under your protection. St. Joseph, my dear Guardian Angel, and all you saints in heaven, pray for me. Sweet Jesus, have pity on all poor sinners, and save them from hell. Have mercy on the suffering souls in purgatory. Amen”
True Friendship
Tonight, we will reflect on the strength we receive from Christ, the enduring love of Jesus as contrasted with the fleeting nature of worldly attachments, and the true essence of friendship with Jesus. We'll explore these themes through the wisdom of St. Paul and Thomas à Kempis, grounding our reflections in the traditional Catholic perspective. Let's begin our journey into these profound spiritual insights.

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." — St. Paul, Philippians 4:13
St. Paul’s declaration in Philippians 4:13 is a powerful affirmation of the strength and support we receive from Christ.
Dependence on Christ’s Strength: This verse underscores the importance of relying on Christ for strength in all aspects of our lives. From a traditional Catholic perspective, it reminds us that our own efforts are insufficient without God’s grace.
Empowerment for Virtuous Living: Christ’s strength empowers us to live virtuously, to overcome temptations, and to fulfill our vocations. Whether we face trials, pursue good works, or strive for holiness, it is through Christ that we find the necessary strength.
Confidence and Trust: This scripture invites us to place our confidence and trust in Christ. Knowing that we can do all things through Him reassures us in times of difficulty and encourages us to undertake even the most challenging tasks with faith.

"The love of created things is deceitful and unstable; the love of Jesus is faithful and enduring. He who attaches himself to creatures, shall fall with the one who falls: he who embraces Jesus shall stand firm in eternity. Love him, and keep for your Friend him who, when all shall turn their back upon you, will not abandon you nor permit you to perish in the end. You must sooner or later be separated from all things, whether you will it or not." —Thomas à Kempis
Thomas à Kempis provides a clear contrast between the temporary nature of earthly attachments and the steadfast love of Jesus.
1. The Love of Created Things:
Thomas à Kempis warns about the deceitful and unstable nature of earthly attachments. This reflects the Christian understanding that material possessions, worldly status, and even human relationships can be fleeting and unreliable. Earthly things can lead us away from God if we prioritize them over our relationship with Him.

2. The Love of Jesus:
In contrast, Thomas emphasizes the faithful and enduring love of Jesus. Unlike worldly attachments, Jesus' love is constant, unchanging, and eternal. This love provides a foundation that will not crumble, even when faced with life’s challenges and trials.
3. Detachment and Eternal Stability:
He argues that those who attach themselves to created things will ultimately face disappointment, as these things are temporary and subject to change. However, those who embrace Jesus and build their lives on His love will stand firm in eternity. This idea draws heavily from the Christian call to detachment from the world and attachment to Christ.
4. True Friendship with Jesus:
Thomas encourages believers to cultivate a deep friendship with Jesus. This friendship is unique because Jesus will never abandon us, even when others might. This is a comforting assurance of Jesus’ enduring presence and support.

5. Inevitability of Separation:
Finally, Thomas reminds us of the inevitability of being separated from all worldly things, whether by choice or by the nature of life and death. This reinforces the importance of prioritizing our relationship with Jesus, who remains with us beyond all temporal separations.
Drawing from the Teachings of Christ and the Saints
1. Teachings of Christ:
Matthew 6:19-21:
Jesus taught about the impermanence of earthly treasures and the importance of storing up treasures in heaven. He said, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
This teaching directly aligns with Thomas’ call to focus on eternal rather than earthly attachments.

John 15:15:
Jesus emphasized the idea of friendship with Him when He said, "I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you."
This scripture supports Thomas’ exhortation to maintain a close and intimate friendship with Jesus.
2. Teachings of the Saints:
St. Augustine:
St. Augustine’s reflections on the restless human heart resonate with Thomas à Kempis’ views. Augustine famously wrote, "You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you." This underscores the idea that true peace and stability come from God alone.
St. Francis of Assisi:
Known for his radical detachment from material possessions, St. Francis’ life exemplifies the practice of what Thomas à Kempis preached. Francis gave up his wealth to embrace a life of poverty and total dependence on God, finding joy and stability in his relationship with Christ.
St. Teresa of Ávila:
St. Teresa’s emphasis on divine friendship is also pertinent. In her writings, she often spoke about the soul’s intimate relationship with Christ, describing Him as the ultimate Friend and Companion who never abandons us.
Conclusion:
As we conclude today’s episode, let’s reflect on the profound teachings we've explored. St. Paul’s words remind us that our true strength comes from Christ, enabling us to face all of life’s challenges with confidence and faith. Thomas à Kempis teaches us to prioritize our relationship with Jesus over all earthly attachments, assuring us of the enduring and faithful love of our Savior.

In a world where we are often tempted to rely on material possessions and human relationships for security and happiness, these teachings guide us back to the true source of strength and love: Jesus Christ. By embracing His strength and cultivating a deep friendship with Him, we can navigate the trials of life with unwavering faith and hope.

Thank you for joining tonight. May you find strength in Christ, prioritize His eternal love, and experience the profound peace that comes from true friendship with Jesus. Until next time, may your journey be blessed with grace and your path illuminated by faith. God bless.