Joseph H.H. Weiler, University Professor at NYU Law School and Senior Fellow at the Center for European Studies at Harvard. Introducing Stefano Alberto, Professor of Theology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore.

The Bible explicitly speaks about friendship and also provides some luminous examples, each different from the other. In the traditional event “Reading the Bible with Joseph Weiler,” we will examine both aspects. Here are some examples of explicit teachings: A friend loves at all times and a brother is born for adversity (Proverbs 17:17). There are companions who lead to ruin, but there are also friends who are more loyal than a brother (Proverbs 18:24). Faithful are the wounds of a friend, deceitful are the kisses of an enemy. The fragrance of incense brings joy to the heart, and the sweetness of a friend soothes the soul (Proverbs 27:6,9). And here are some examples of deep friendships: Ruth and Naomi, David and Jonathan, and of course Jesus and his apostles: “You are my friends if you do what I command. 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” (John 15:14-15).