In this week's episode, we continue with “Week Three” in our 4 part Advent study of Heather’s new book Encountering Emmanuel. We meditate on the vulnerability of Jesus as a baby and how He comes as one who is little so we can know that we are loved in our littleness. We also reflect on what it looks like to have hope, how to love with an open heart, and the deeper meaning of incense. Jesus’ heart is an open place of refuge where we find the comfort and relief we so desperately need this Advent season.

Heather’s One Things - The upcoming women’s conference at Franciscan June 6-8  (registration opens January 29, 2025) Sponsored by Abiding Together and Deacon Bob Rice’s new Scriptural Rosary Cards

Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Restore the Glory Podcast episodes on redemptive suffering (Carrie Archual) (Part 1) (Part 2)

Michelle’s One Things - This mug from Deacon Bob Rice, Trader Joe's winter peonies, and The Portal of the Mystery of Hope by Charles Peguy

Other Resources Mentioned: 

• Encountering Emmanuel Resources Resources
• The Hidden Meaning of Incense w/ Fr. Boniface Hicks

Journal Questions:

• What does abundant life look like in my life at this time?
• How can I lean into Hope today?
• When did I become so serious?
• How can I allow the Lord to transform my woundedness into a sweet fragrance for the Lord?

Discussion Questions:

• How do you conflate abundant life with perfection?
• Where are you holding onto hopelessness?
• How can you live more openly even in the midst of pain?
• How can you embrace more play in your life?

Quote to Ponder:

“To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything, and your heart will certainly be wrung and possibly be broken.” (C.S. Lewis, The Four Loves)

Scripture for Lectio:

“I led them with cords of human kindness, with bands of love. I was to them like those who lift infants to their cheeks. I bent down to them and fed them.”  (Hosea 11:4)

Sponsor - Catholic Women & Couples NFP:

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Timestamps:

00:00 - Catholic Women and Couples NFP

01:30 - Intro

02:22 - Welcome

04:20 - Vulnerability and Hope

08:12 - Loving with an Open Heart

11:41 - Incense

16:06 - The Language of Play

22:22 - Thoughts for the Third Week of Advent

24:37 - One Things

In this week's episode,  we continue in our 4 part Advent study of Heather’s new book Encountering Emmanuel and focus on “Week Two”. We ponder the reality that we are welcomed into Jesus’ family as heirs and children of God. We also discuss the restoration that takes place in family, relating to each other as spiritual family, and the ache we experience for union with God in Heaven. 

Heather’s One Thing - The community at Franciscan 

Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Gingerbread and gingerbread cookie recipes

Michelle’s One Thing - The gift of community in North Carolina

Other Resources Mentioned: 

Encountering Emmanuel Resources

Journal Questions:

• How do I “sanitize” the Gospel and oversimplify the transformation Christ came to bring us?
• In what parts of my heart am I not attached to the Lord?
• Do I believe the Lord delights in the poor parts of my heart? Or do I believe He merely tolerates them?
• How do I experience the Divine Ache in my life? Do I run from the ache or run towards the Lord when I experience it?

Discussion Questions:

• How have you experienced healing and restoration within your family?
• How have you experienced the Trinity as a family?
• How often do you consider the hope and reality of Heaven?
• Have you experienced the transformation from deep aches to lasting hope?

Quotes to Ponder:

“The Word became flesh to make us “partakers of the divine nature”: “For this is why the Word became man, and the Son of God became the Son of man: so that man, by entering into communion with the Word and thus receiving divine sonship, might become a son of God.” “For the Son of God became man so that we might become God.” “The only-begotten Son of God, wanting to make us sharers in his divinity, assumed our nature, so that he, made man, might make men gods.” (CCC 460)

Scripture for Lectio:

“For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received a spirit of adoption. When we cry, “Abba! Father!” it is that very Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ—if, in fact, we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him.” (Romans 8:14-17)

Sponsor - In.spired Living:

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Inspired Living is a small, family run business and we love partnering with artists and their families, all who are committed to bringing eternal beauty into the home. 

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Inspired living - bringing eternal beauty to the home

Timestamps:

00:00 - In.spired Living

01:08 - Intro

02:00 - Welcome, Scripture Verse, and Quote

04:58 - Familial Love of God

06:58 - Adoption and Belonging

10:47 - The Desire to Be Received

15:13 - A Way to Heaven

19:53 - The Ache Within Us

21:45 - Kindness vs. Comfort

24:59 - One Things

In this week's episode, we begin our 4 part Advent study of Heather’s new book Encountering Emmanuel and focus on the “Introduction” and “Week One”. We discuss the inspiration behind the book, the fruit that comes from journaling, and the call to recognize the voice of the Good Shepherd.  We also reflect on allowing Jesus to be born in our hearts, encounter our wounds, and bring light to our personal darkness. 

Heather’s One Thing - Josiah Henley’s artwork for Encountering Emmanuel and the wallpapers made by our friends at Tilma

Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Heather’s updated advent worship playlist 

Michelle’s One Thing - Life in the Power of the Holy Spirit with Dr. Mary Healy (S14 E15) and the Auburn win against Texas A&M

Other Resources Mentioned: 

• Encountering Emmanuel Weekly Videos (sign up at the bottom of the page)
• Encountering Emmanuel Leaders Guide (free resource)
• Subscribe to our weekly newsletter 

Journal Questions:

• In what ways am I transparent, but not vulnerable?
• Am I allowing Jesus to come into my heart and actually transform me?
• What is holding me back from letting “it be done according to [His] Word?”
• What parts of yourself have yet to encounter the Real Jesus?

Discussion Questions:

• Do you believe the Lord has something new to offer you this Advent?
• How are you experiencing resistance in your heart this Advent?
• When it comes to your faith, are you completing tasks or are you encountering Jesus Christ?
• How can you “wake up” from sleepwalking through life?

Quotes to Ponder:

“Awake, my soul, awake! Show thy spirit, arouse thy senses, shake off the sluggishness of that deadly heaviness that is upon thee, begin to take care for thy salvation. Let the idleness of vain imagination be put to flight, let go of sloth, hold fast to diligence” (St. Anselm of Canterbury)

Scripture for Lectio:

“I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness.” (John 12:46)

Sponsor - Into the Deep:

A Lamp & a Light is a Scripture prayer journal for women that walks you through the movements of lectio divina with prompting questions. 

The journal provides 40 pre-selected Bible passages for you that are ideal for imaginative prayer. Then, you’ll have 40 blank pages where you can choose your own passages.

If you have wanted to pray with Sacred Scripture but aren’t sure how or if you feel like you need a guide, this Scripture journal can help you go deeper in your personal relationship with the Lord.

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Timestamps:

00:00 - Into the Deep

01:34 - Intro

02:26 - Welcome

05:32 - The Heart of Encountering Emmanuel

06:51 - Vulnerability and Openness

09:13 - Disposition of Our Hearts

11:30 - Quote to Ponder

12:21 - Coming Awake

13:40 - Personal Encounter

17:46 - The Fruit of Journaling

20:53 - Exploring Areas of Darkness

22:00 - He Comes with Power

26:17 - A Journey of Healing

29:48 - The Voice of the Shepherd

32:04 - One Things

In this week's episode, we reflect on how to prepare for Advent. During this busy season, it is easy to spend more time preparing our home than our hearts and we chat about the need for slowing down, quieting our hearts and surroundings, and becoming attentive to God’s presence in our daily lives. We also share practical ways we prepare and wait for the coming of our Lord at Christmas.

Heather’s One Thing - The songs Holy Forever (YouTube) and The Story I’ll Tell (YouTube)

Sister Miriam’s One Thing - The Carmellite Sisters (View their upcoming events here)

Michelle’s One Thing -  The song You Know My Name by Tasha Cobbs and This “Full of Hope” Advent Mug from Blessed is She

Announcement:

Our Advent study begins next week! Be sure to subscribe to our weekly email to receive each episode, discussion questions, and videos to your inbox.

Journal Questions:

• Ask the Holy Spirit: What do you want me to be present to this season?
• Where do I need hope in my life?
• Where do I lack peace in my life?
• Where do I need joy in my life?
• Where do I need to birth joy in my life?

Discussion Questions:

• What practices do you incorporate in Advent to embrace the season of preparation?
• When will you take time for prayer this week and throughout Advent?
• How can you better embrace Advent rather than just tolerate it?
• How can you slow the interior pace of your heart in Advent?

Quotes to Ponder:

“The liturgy of Advent…helps us to understand fully the value and meaning of the mystery of Christmas. It is not just about commemorating the historical event, which occurred some 2,000 years ago in a little village of Judea. Instead, it is necessary to understand that the whole of our life must be an ‘advent,’ a vigilant awaiting of the final coming of Christ. To predispose our mind to welcome the Lord who, as we say in the Creed, one day will come to judge the living and the dead, we must learn to recognize him as present in the events of daily life. Therefore, Advent is, so to speak, an intense training that directs us decisively toward him who already came, who will come, and who comes continuously.” (St. John Paul II)

Scripture for Lectio: 

“Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 1:13)

Sponsor - The Little Rose Shop:

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Timestamps:

00:00 - The Little Rose Shop

01:31 - Intro

02:24 - Welcome

04:44 - Guiding Quote and Scripture Verse

05:54 - Stillness

07:20 - Preparing Our Hearts

11:29 - Distractions

14:16 - Intentional and Incarnational

17:25 - Slowing Down

18:57 - Finishing Well

20:16 - Practical Ideas

25:59 - Announcement

27:36 - One Things 

30:08 - Closing Prayer

In this week's episode, we conclude our three part series on the heart and  Pope Francis’ recent encyclical Dilexit Nos. We reflect on Scripture as a personal love story, how it speaks to our areas of weakness, and the awesome reality of Jesus desiring to love and heal us there. The Lord meets us where we are and He is always seeking to bring our hearts closer to His. He speaks directly to each one of us with an invitation to be loved and to love. This invitation of love requires a response not only in big moments but in the ordinary moments of each day.

Heather’s One Thing - Her friends Laura and Brandon

Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Farkle Classic Dice Game

Michelle’s One Thing -  Nazareth Organics (especially the Sleep Balm)

Michelle’s Other One Thing - The Florida State vs UNC game

Other Resources Mentioned: 

• “Dilexit Nos”: A brief guide for busy readers
• Dilexit Nos audio version

Journal Questions:

• How do I experience spiritual amnesia and forget the ways the Lord loves me?
• When have I experienced the tender love of the Lord in places of poverty and isolation in my heart?
• Where in my life do I need to hear the sweet sound of the Lord’s heartbeats? What does Jesus want to convey to me through that sound?
• What parts of Christ’s Body, the Church, do I fail to love?

Discussion Questions:

• How has the Lord being present to your heart brought you healing and communion?
• How has the barrage of tragedy and hardship from the news and social media hardened your heart toward human suffering?
• Where are the lukewarm places of your heart?
• What conversations can you have, actions can you take, or apologies can you make to love your neighbor like Christ?

Quotes to Ponder:

The pierced heart of Christ embodies all God’s declarations of love present in the Scriptures. That love is no mere matter of words; rather, the open side of his Son is a source of life for those whom he loves, the fount that quenches the thirst of his people. (Pope Francis, “Dilexit Nos”, Paragraph 101)

Saint Augustine opened the way to devotion to the Sacred Heart as the locus of our personal encounter with the Lord. For Augustine, Christ’s wounded side is not only the source of grace and the sacraments, but also the symbol of our intimate union with Christ, the setting of an encounter of love. There we find the source of the most precious wisdom of all, which is knowledge of him. In effect, Augustine writes that John, the beloved disciple, reclining on Jesus’ bosom at the Last Supper, drew near to the secret place of wisdom. (Pope Francis, “Dilexit Nos”, Paragraph 103)

Scripture for Lectio: 

“I led them with cords of human kindness, with bands of love. I was to them like those who lift infants to their cheeks. I bent down to them and fed them.” (Hosea 11:4)

Sponsor - Leanne Bowen:

Today’s sponsor is Leanne Bowen Fine Art. We love her prints and her candles. These candles smell so good and burn super slowly. She just released a beautiful collection of candle tins that are the perfect size for stockings and hostess gifts! She has a new image of the three wisemen on a Frankincense and Myrrh candle. Her candle scents are really unique and the artwork on the labels make them very intentional gifts. Her most popular candle in November is the Cranberry Orange Spice. It has a stunning image of the Holy Family on the label. She also has a Chrism Sacred Heart candle that smells JUST like Chrism! Leanne also offers Christmas cards of the Holy Family, Saint Nicholas, the three wisemen, and Mary holding Jesus. She is offering 15% off to all our listeners with the code ABIDE15 at www.LeanneBowen.com. We think you’ll love her stuff!

Timestamps:

00:00 - Leanne Bowen

01:33 - Intro

02:26 - Welcome

05:10 - Scripture Verse and Guiding Quote

06:26 - This is a Love Story

08:17 - Thirsting for God

10:30 - God Will Never Forget You

12:29 - Being Loved in Our Weaknesses

17:38 - Deeply and Individually Loved

19:42 - A Lament and a Request

22:42 - Loving Like Jesus

25:01 - Repairing

29:26 - Final Thoughts

30:36 - One Things

In this week's episode, we continue our three part series on Pope Francis’ recent encyclical Dilexit Nos. We reflect on our ache to be loved, how Jesus heals in close proximity to us, and the “science of the caress”. We also talk about how Jesus is a man who comes and finds us wherever we are and longs to open up a new place for us in relationship with Him. Will we allow our hearts to beat again with love?

Heather’s One Thing - Thai Peanut Chicken Stir Fry 

Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Abuses in the Religious Life and the Path to Healing by Dom Dysmas de Lassus

Michelle’s One Thing(s) - Fr. Mark Mary’s podcast: Rosary in a Year and Vanilla Caramel Nut Butter

Other Resources Mentioned: 

“Dilexit Nos”: A brief guide for busy readers and Dilexit Nos audio version

Journal Questions:

• Do I perceive Jesus’ presence in my life as being up close to me, or at a distance?
• How have I encountered Jesus as the Lover?
• How do I project my scars onto Jesus?
• Who in my community or in the Church is hardest for me to love right now? How can I love them better?
• Where do I have a belief that Jesus is indifferent to me?

Discussion Questions:

• How have you experienced the ache to be cherished?
• How can you bring communion where there is polarity and discord?
• What happens in you when you consider the Sacred Heart of Jesus?
• When have you blindly trusted in Jesus and His Love and Providence for you? How did He prove Himself trustworthy?

Quotes to Ponder:

“The heart of Christ, as the symbol of the deepest and most personal source of his love for us, is the very core of the initial preaching of the Gospel. It stands at the origin of our faith, as the wellspring that refreshes and enlivens our Christian beliefs.” (Pope Francis, “Dilexit Nos”, Paragraph 32)

Scripture for Lectio: 

“Take heart, daughter!” (Matthew 9:22)

Sponsor - Florecita Design:

Florecita Design wants to help you build your domestic church. The Florecita Design Activity Bundle is a set of 12-15 printable activities for young children, delivered each month and based on the Catholic liturgical calendar.

Every month, Florecita Design will help you incorporate math, science, and pre-literacy skills with your little kids all within the context of the Catholic Church. This Activity Bundle is a digital subscription created by a speech-language pathologist to provide parents with the tools and language to incorporate the faith easily into every day play for their 2 to 7 year-olds. All parents have to do is print the activities and follow along the instructional booklet for enriching, screen free ways to entertain their kids.

Florecita Design just released the Advent and Christmas Activity Bundle, which is a holiday special with TWENTY activities, including puzzles, an Advent prayer banner, St. Nicholas activities, and so much more. To learn more, visit florecitadesign.com. 

You can use the code ABIDE10 for 10% off your first three months of the Activity Bundle! You can also follow along on Instagram @florecitadesign for speech-language tips, sales and liturgical living ideas for little kids. Let’s teach our kids the Catholic faith in ways that are simple, tangible and beautiful!

Timestamps:

00:00 - Florecita Design

01:19 - Intro

02:12 - Welcome

02:43 - Actions Reflect Our Heart

04:09 - The Science of Caress

05:37 - The Humanity of Christ

08:26 - Aching to Be Loved

10:11 - The Holy Spirit and Community

14:03 - The Human Heart

17:08 - Vulnerability and Secure Love

20:00 - Our Image of God

23:08 - One Things

In this week's episode, we begin a three part series on Pope Francis’ recent encyclical Dilexit Nos (on the human and divine love of the Heart of Jesus Christ). We discuss how God, as the Divine initiator, loved us first and continuously calls us deeper into His most Sacred Heart. We also reflect on the meaning of our hearts, being captivated by Jesus’ love, and the beauty of allowing Him to set our hearts aflame.

Heather’s One Thing - Man and Woman and the Order of Creation Conference at Franciscan University (view the livestream here)

Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Tomato Basil Soup

Michelle’s One Thing - The book Sons in the Son by Fr. Innocent Montgomery, CFR, and Fr. Angelus Montgomery, CFR ( Sign up here to get the consecration reflections)

Other Resources Mentioned: 

• “Dilexit Nos”: A brief guide for busy readers
• Dilexit Nos audio version

Journal Questions:

• Who am I, really? What am I looking for?
• What direction do I want to give to my life? Why and for what purpose am I in the world?
• How do I want to look back on my life once it ends? What meaning do I want to give to all my experiences?
• Who do I want to be for others?
• Who am I for God?

Discussion Questions:

• How do you belittle or dismiss the movements of your own heart?
• When do you feel distanced from your heart in this season?
• How can you minimize the distance you have from your heart this week?
• How do you self-protect instead of making a self-gift?
• What direction do you want to give to your life? Why and for what purpose are you in the world?

Quotes to Ponder:

“The heart is also the locus of sincerity, where deceit and disguise have no place. It usually indicates our true intentions, what we really think, believe and desire, the “secrets” that we tell no one: in a word, the naked truth about ourselves. It is the part of us that is neither appearance or illusion, but is instead authentic, real, entirely “who we are”.”  (Pope Francis, “Dilexit Nos”, Paragraph 5)

Scripture for Lectio: 

 “He loved us first.”  (1 John 4:19)

Sponsor - Reform Wellness:

Reform Wellness is a Christ-centered functional medicine and holistic wellness ministry. Reform redefines health as the state of your body and soul. Their mission is to empower the whole person to find well-being in Christ and become the best versions of themselves physically and spiritually. Reform works with private clients, corporate teams, religious communities, and educational institutions worldwide, both in-person and online. They offer valuable information, educational resources, and lifelong tools to improve your physical and spiritual well-being.

We invite you to learn more about Reform’s foundational course Reform Online which offers educational tools, best practices, and community through their nine wellness pillars centered in Christ. Reform is extending an exclusive discount for all our listeners on their upcoming Cohort: Reform Your Home and Family. We highly recommend this three-month foundational course; we’ve each taken Reform Online and still benefit from the fruits in our daily lives. Use code “Abide10'' for your exclusive discount through November 15. 

Timestamps:

00:00 - Reform Wellness

01:39 - Intro

02:31 - Announcement and Welcome

05:04 - About the Encyclical

06:53 - The Importance of the Heart

11:16 - The Heart as the Locus of Sincerity

14:54 - Our Heart is Meant for Love

18:46 - Being Captivated by Jesus’ Love

24:20 - The Sacred Heart Aflame with Love

25:51 - One Things

In this week's episode, we continue our discussion on communion and focus on the practical aspects of living out in community. We reflect on the four main pillars of building a community: intentionality, vulnerability, proximity, and organically. We also talk about community as a journey and that we learn to love others by experiencing the love of God ourselves. This experience brings communion within us, which bears fruit, and then we are then able to give that love away to others. 

Heather’s One Thing - Friends of the Bridegroom

Sister Miriam’s One Thing - What Vegetable are You? Quiz

Michelle’s One Thing - Monk Manual

Announcement:

Check out our new Small Group Resource page!

Journal Questions:

• How can I express more mercy and curiosity within my community?
• Who in my local community can I extend an invitation to?
• Is there variety in my family’s community (vocations, ages, stages of life, etc)?
• For those not currently in an Abiding Together small group: Consider praying about starting an Abiding Together small group or study group. What fears or concerns do I have about starting a group?

Discussion Questions:

• When do you feel more tempted to speak out harshly instead of conversing gently with those you’re in conflict with?
• What repeating strains and roadblocks have you observed in your relationships over the years? What do you think God may be teaching you through those strains?
• Throughout the episode, we covered four different aspects of community (intentionality, vulnerability, proximity, and organic engagement). Which of these aspects is hardest for you within your relationships?
• How can you initiate moments of organic community in your current season? Set a goal for yourself this week and check back in with each next time you connect.

Quotes to Ponder:

"God is love and in himself he lives a mystery of personal loving communion. Creating the human race in his own image .... God inscribed in the humanity of man and woman the vocation, and thus the capacity and responsibility, of love and communion." (CCC 2331)

“The person who loves their dream of community will destroy community, but the person who loves those around them will create community.” (Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Life Together: The Classic Exploration of Christian Community)

Scripture for Lectio: 

“And fear came upon every soul; and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common; and they sold their possessions and goods and distributed them to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they partook of food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.” (Acts 2:43-47)

Sponsor - Nazareth Organics:

Nazareth Organics (@nazarethorganics) is a Catholic family-owned natural skincare company that handcrafts balms with high quality, wild-crafted, and organic ingredients from nature.

From facial moisturizers and serums to diaper creams and body butters, Nazareth Organics carries nourishing natural products for a wide array of skin conditions.

They use grass-fed tallow from a local Catholic farm as a base for many of their balms, because it is rich in fat-soluble vitamins and fatty acids that can increase collagen production, strengthen the skin, and calm inflammation.

The best thing about this business is that it’s dedicated to the Holy Family of Nazareth. From website to packaging, every sustainably sourced product points back to the faith and the ultimate source of creation. They also donate a portion of all proceeds to Catholic charitable organizations.

If you want to honor and care for your body using pure and natural ingredients straight from God’s hands, then check out Nazareth Organics. Find them at nazareth-organics.com and use code ABIDE10 at checkout for a 10% discount. Follow them on Instagram and Facebook at: @nazarethorganics.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Nazareth Organics

01:31 - Intro

02:23 - Welcome and Recap

03:23 - Judgement vs Curiosity

06:36 - Bearing Fruit in Community 

08:43 - Jesus as a Model of Community

11:05 - Aspects of Community

18:28 - Good Community Takes Time to Build

19:17 - Abiding Together Small Group Resources

22:22 - One Things

In this week's episode, we talk about the theology of communion. Our desire for communion with others is very good and comes from God Himself. In fact, our ache for community is an ache for eternity. God desires to bring us into an eternal communion with Him and the community here on earth points towards this in a small way. We discuss what happens when we experience a broken community, the challenges faced in building community, and how community changes throughout the seasons of life.

Heather’s One Thing - My art on the “They That Hope” podcast mug (add photos to website)

Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Best Ever Crock Pot Roast Recipe 

Michelle’s One Thing - Every Sacred Sunday Mass Journal

Announcement:

Order your Abiding Together shirt in our shop today!

Journal Questions:

• How have I been wounded within community? How have I been healed through community?
• In what ways are my friendships free, total, faithful, and fruitful? In what ways are my friendships not free, total, faithful, and fruitful?
• What kind of friend do I need to tend to my heart?
• What kind of friend am I to my friends’ hearts?
• How have I withheld belonging from others?

Discussion Questions:

• How has your need and capacity for community changed over the years?
• How can you extend belonging to people in your community?
• What lies isolate you from entering into friendship?
• How is God inviting you to cultivate and receive community?

Quotes to Ponder:

"God is love and in himself he lives a mystery of personal loving communion. Creating the human race in his own image .... God inscribed in the humanity of man and woman the vocation, and thus the capacity and responsibility, of love and communion." (CCC 2331)

“The person who loves their dream of community will destroy community, but the person who loves those around them will create community.” (Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Life Together: The Classic Exploration of Christian Community)

Scripture for Lectio: 

“And fear came upon every soul; and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common; and they sold their possessions and goods and distributed them to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they partook of food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.” (Acts 2:43-47)

Sponsor - CORDA:

Connect with the saints through scent with CORDA’s handcrafted Catholic candles. Each candle scent is directly inspired by different saints and aspects of the faith, and is made with clean coconut wax and a beautiful, modern design. 

Be sure to sign up for the CORDA Fan Club, too: it’s free and an awesome way to earn points that you can redeem for free products, gift cards, and free shipping. 

You can join the club and explore CORDA’s gorgeous Catholic candles (and 3,000+ reviews!) at cordacandles.com. And when you’re placing your order, don’t forget to enter code ABIDINGTOGETHER to save 15% on everything, now through the end of the year. Thank you for supporting this Catholic small business!

Timestamps:

00:00 - CORDA

01:23 - Intro

02:15 - Announcement

02:42 - Welcome

04:23 - Scripture Verse and Guiding Quotes

05:47 - Initial Thoughts

08:41 - The Desire for Communion is Good

13:39 - Community Takes Work

16:36 - Learning How to Love

18:04 - Identifying the Lies

24:34 - Understanding the Wounds of Others

29:00 - One Things

In this week's episode, we model what it looks like to pray Lectio Divina, which is a divine reading of Sacred Scripture. We begin by sharing the different ways we spend time in Sacred Scripture, how it has impacted our lives, and model how to pray Lectio Divina. We invite you to follow along and join us as we spend time reading and reflecting on John 15:5-8. Sacred Scripture is the voice of God and what He has said is alive forever and relevant to our lives in all situations. We encourage you to journey with us as we deepen our relationship with God through His word.

Heather’s One Thing - Franciscan University’s Austria Study Abroad Program and Guadalupe Pilgrimage

Sister Miriam’s One Thing - FOCUS film Radiating Joy: The Michelle Duppong Story (trailer here)

Michelle’s One Thing -  Praying for anyone affected by hurricane Helene  Catholic Charities, Samaritan's Purse, Change Lives Now

Other Resources Mentioned: 

 Steps for Lectio Divina and  The Art and Practice of Lectio Divina 

Announcement:

We are so excited to announce that we will have new Abiding Together shirts in our shop next week! Follow us on social media for all the latest updates!

Journal Questions:

• When do I encounter the Scriptures throughout my day?
• Do I incorporate Lectio Divina into my prayer routine?
• What obstacles prevent me from entering into Lectio Divina?
• How can I begin to incorporate Lectio Divina more frequently into my prayer?

Discussion Questions:

• How have you been nourished by the Word of God?
• Have you struggled to hear the voice of God in the past?
• When do you hear the voice of God in this season of your life?
• What stuck out to you during the Lectio Divina within the episode?

Scripture for Lectio: 

“I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit; because apart from me you can do nothing. Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire and burned. If you abide in me and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and become my disciples.” (John 15:5-8)

Sponsor - Emmaus Road Publishing:

Introducing Saints Around the World for Little Ones, a new six-volume collection from Emmaus Road Publishing! Following the success of the original Saints Around the World, this set for ages 0-8 shares the inspiring stories of 90 saints, presented through stunning illustrations and child-friendly text. Each book focuses on different types of saints—from young adventurers to warriors and royalty. You can purchase the books individually or get the whole set at a 15% discount, and you can use promo code Abide10 for an additional 10% off your purchase! Get them today at stpaulcenter.com/saints.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Emmaus Road Publishing

01:09 - Intro

02:01 - Welcome

07:23 - Sacred Scripture in Our Lives

12:45 - How to Pray Lectio Divina

15:37 - First Reading

17:59 - Second Reading

19:23 - Third Reading

21:01 - Reflections

28:23 - One Things

32:06 - Announcement

In this week's episode, we reflect on suffering and love. We all have deep and tender places in our hearts where we suffer. Sometimes we feel alone in these sorrows and because of this, turn inwards into our pain. But the reality is, we are never alone in our suffering; God is always with us. We also reflect on fear in suffering, suffering in isolation vs suffering in communion, and how to allow God’s light to shine into these sorrowful places.

Heather’s One Thing - The Liturgy of the Hours subscription and Providential Co. (especially this Sacred Heart candle)

Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Magnificat (particularly a recent excerpt from Spe Salvi paragraphs 37-40)

Michelle’s One Thing -  “Home: A Blessed Conversations Study on the Virtues of Mary” from Blessed is She and all the women in her small group (use link or code MICHELLE10 for 10% off)

Announcement: Friends, we are excited to announce our 2024 Advent Study will be the book Encountering Emmanuel by Heather Khym!

Journal Questions:

• What suffering am I running from?
• Take some time to identify your current fears. How can you let these fears bring you into an encounter with Love Himself?
• Do I have a friend I can invite into my suffering? How can I be present to her suffering as well?
• How has Jesus transformed injury into compassion in my life?

Discussion Questions:

• Are you suffering in communion or in isolation?
• How can you suffer more like Jesus in this season?
• What habits in your spiritual toolbox protect your heart in moments of suffering and desolation?
• How can you love well when your heart is broken?

Scripture for Lectio: 

“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to throw away; a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)

Sponsor - Laura-Anne:

Laura-Anne is a Catholic wedding photographer and marriage mentor who will help you thrive during your engagement, capture heirloom-quality photos of your wedding, and prepare for a joy-filled marriage that reflects God’s design. Because it's possible to plan a beautiful, thoughtful wedding reflective of both you and your fiance and, ultimately, surrender your desires for the day to the Lord…all while preparing your heart for the Sacrament of Marriage.

Laura-Anne’s resources, like The Catholic Wedding Kit, will help you do just that. The Catholic Wedding Kit is a collection of digital tools to guide you through every decision you need to make about your wedding and the why behind each one, helping you communicate, pray, and discern as a couple. Learn more about The Catholic Wedding Kit and the rest of Laura-Anne’s resources and photography services at laura-anne.ca or on Instagram @lauraannesmid 

Use code ABIDE for 15% off any digital resources.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Laura-Anne

01:28 - Intro

02:20 - Welcome

06:57 - Scripture Verse and Guiding Quote

09:02 - Fear in Suffering

12:13 - Suffering in Communion

19:28 - Choosing to Love

27:41 - Transformation in Freedom

29:23 - Prayer

34:20 - Advent Study Announcement

36:13 - One Things