Discovering True Friendship with Christ: Insights from John 15

Episode Overview:

In this episode of The Catholic Man Show, hosts Adam Minihan and David Niles dive into a lighthearted yet profound discussion about the phrase "killing two birds with one stone," the joys and challenges of high school reunions, and a deep exploration of friendship—both human and divine. The episode centers on John 15:14-15, where Jesus calls His disciples friends, not servants, offering a transformative perspective on what it means to live in communion with Christ. A powerful confession experience ties the conversation together, emphasizing the shift from doing things for God to doing them with Him.

Key Discussion Points:

• Opening Banter (00:00:16 - 00:04:55): Adam and David humorously debate the origins and modern misuse of the phrase "killing two birds with one stone," referencing historical and biblical imagery like David and Goliath, and even a viral video of Nolan Ryan hitting a bird with a baseball.
• Life Updates (00:05:00 - 00:11:39): David shares his excitement for an upcoming family reunion in Wyoming, while Adam talks about his son Leo’s second-place finish in mutton busting at a local rodeo and his anticipation for a 20-year high school reunion, sparking a funny reflection on aging and pride.
• Sponsorship Spotlight (00:12:00 - 00:13:15): The hosts highlight their long-time sponsor, Select International Tours, encouraging listeners to explore pilgrimage opportunities at selectinternationaltours.com and join their upcoming trip to Italy in October.
• What We’re Drinking (00:13:29 - 00:15:47): Adam and David enjoy The Sassenach, a blended Scotch whiskey with a Gaelic name meaning "outsider" or "stranger." They praise its Highland-like flavor and art deco bottle, likening it to a Mad Men-style decanter.
• Literature and Reading (00:16:46 - 00:20:43): David discusses reading G.K. Chesterton’s Man Alive, recommended by Monsignor Gallus, a Chesterton scholar, and touches on Plato’s The Republic. The hosts reflect on Chesterton’s whimsical style and the influence of classical works on Christian thought.
• Main Topic: Friendship with Christ (00:22:08 - 00:58:51):
• Biblical Foundation: Adam introduces John 15:14-15, where Jesus says, “You are my friends if you keep what I command you. No longer do I call you servants… but I have called you friends.” This passage sets the stage for a discussion on authentic friendship.
• Philosophical Insights: Drawing from Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics (Books 8-10), the hosts explore his three types of friendship—pleasure, utility, and authentic (virtuous) friendship. Aristotle views authentic friendship as the highest moral achievement, impossible without virtue, as vice renders true friendship unattainable.
• Christian Perspective: The discussion connects Aristotle’s ideas to Christian theology, with references to Augustine, Aquinas, and Cicero. Aquinas describes charity as the highest form of friendship, requiring mutual love, willing the good of the other, and a shared life—mirrored in Christ’s relationship with His disciples.
• Old vs. New Covenant: The hosts contrast the Old Covenant’s servanthood (e.g., Abraham obeying without full understanding) with the New Covenant’s friendship, where Christ shares divine knowledge, inviting us into intimacy and communion.
• Confession Insight: Adam shares a transformative moment from confession, where a priest challenged his mentality of doing things for God, urging him to focus on doing things with God. This shift reframes Christian life as a relationship of friendship, not obligation, aligning with John 15’s message.
• Communion of Saints: The episode explores how the communion of saints reflects perfect friendship, unhindered by human vice, and how Christ’s infinite love desires this communion with us.
• Practical Takeaway: The hosts encourage listeners to reflect on John 15:9-17 in adoration, emphasizing that God doesn’t need our works but desires our companionship. This perspective relieves the pressure of performance and combats pride, fostering a deeper relationship with Christ.

Events and Announcements:

• Catholic Man Show Campout: Scheduled for the last Saturday in September at Clear Creek Abbey. Sign-ups open in August, with new activities planned for this milestone event (approximately the 10th annual campout).
• Pilgrimage Opportunity: Join Adam and David in Italy this October with Father Stuart Kravcor. Visit selectinternationaltours.com for details.

Resources Mentioned:

• Scripture: John 15:9-17, particularly verses 14-15.
• Books:
• G.K. Chesterton’s Man Alive
• Plato’s The Republic
• Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics (Books 8-10)
• Ignatius Study Bible
• Sponsorship: Select International Tours (selectinternationaltours.com)
• Social Media: Check Adam’s Facebook for a video of his son Leo’s mutton busting performance.

Quotes to Ponder:

• “You are my friends if you keep what I command you. No longer do I call you servants… but I have called you friends.” – John 15:14-15
• “The Lord doesn’t need anything from you… You have to start thinking about doing things with the Lord.” – Priest in confession
• “Friendship is the point of the Christian life.” – David Niles
• “Charity is the highest form of friendship.” – St. Thomas Aquinas

Call to Action:

• Reflect on John 15:9-17 in prayer or adoration to deepen your understanding of friendship with Christ.
• Sign up for the Catholic Man Show Campout at Clear Creek Abbey in September.
• Explore pilgrimage opportunities with Select International Tours.

Share this episode with friends to spark conversations about authentic friendship and faith.