This week we start out with a mini-topic on the icon of the Trinity. Then for the main topic, Fr. Michael reflects on a prayer that is said during matins where we beg God to save us through the intercession of the holy martyrs. He relates the intercession of the martyrs to gift giving. Fr. Michael talks about everything surrounding gift giving, both the intention of the giver and the vulnerability of the receiver. He talks about how the saints and martyrs give to us by praying for us and how we can presume upon the love and intercession of the saints and martyrs.

References:
Pray for Us by Meg Hunter-Kilmer

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We're joined again this week by special guest, Fr. Chris. Fr. Chris is back with us to talk about Tolkien and Lord of the Rings. Fr. Chris talks about the difference between authority and power; mind and forming matter vs mind over matter; and the use of technology in our lives and how we can feel ourselves being controlled by it instead of us controlling technology.

References:
Tolkien-ology with Fr. Chris Seith Pt. 1
Rekindling Wonder by Fr. Chris Seith
Beginning to Pray by Metropolitan Anthony Bloom
Pain of Grace by Joni Seith

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This week we're joined by special guest, Fr. Chris Seith. Mother Natalia and Fr. Chris talk about Aragorn's Today is Not that Day speech and how it relates to the spiritual life. Fr. Chris talks about some of Tolkien's intentions in writing the book, how technology plays a role in the book, and how we can learn from that.

References:
Searchers of the Lost - Fr. Nathan's Podcast

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This week Fr. Michael reflects on nostalgia, and the ways it can be manifest in both good and bad ways. He talks about how nostalgia is a way of thinking about the transcendent that we experienced in the past, which is ultimately our longing for heaven.


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This week Fr. Michael reflects on Psalm 63, which he has felt the Lord calling him to give as a penance in confession. Fr. Michael walks through some of the verses in the Psalm and contemplates some ways we can link the passages to our daily life.

References:
Psalm 63 (or 62 if you're in the Septuagint)
Unwisting Legion

Pilgrimage:
We're going on pilgrimage! You can find all the details including dates, itinerary, and cost at the 206tours website. Want to hear this directly from Fr. Michael and Mother Natalia? Check out our announcement video.

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This week Mother Natalia and Fr. Michael reflect on the entrance of their friend and spiritual daughter, Maddie, into Christ the Bridegroom Monastery. Mother Natalia then reflects on one of her favorite stichera that we sing during the Nativity, and encourages us to reflect on it in this week leading up to the celebration of Nativity.

References:
Introduction to the Devout Life by St. Francis de Sales


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This week Fr. Michael reflects on a passage in Luke where Jesus encounters the man living with the legion of demons, which he then casts out. He talks about how the devil twists the truth and beauty and the world, perverting it which leads to sin. He sees this both in the man inhabited by the demons but also in the townspeople. Fr. Michael talks about ways we can also have this same distortion in our lives, even if we're not possessed by demons.

References:
Luke 8: 26-39
The Real Meaning of Lucifer
Tender Life Maternity

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This Mother Natalia talks about her recent experience on a long run and how that compares to the spiritual life. She breaks down her run into three parts, each of them equating to us persevering in holiness.

References:
Rekindling Wonder by Fr. Chris Seith
Akathist of Thanksgiving

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This week Fr. Michael takes inspiration from Matthew's gospel to talk about Jesus not being accepted as a prophet in his own home. Fr. Michael takes this further to talk about the ways we can be jealous of others, even of the good that they're doing. He talks about living with hardship and trying to not be jealous of others who are having different experiences than us.

References:
Protoevangelium of James
Hot Mess Hot Takes
Matt 13: 53-58

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This week Mother Natalia shares something that she asked for in prayer. She shares how that impacted her as she tried to remember that as she went about her day. Mother Natalia makes a suggestion to us on how to incorporate this into our lives as well.

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This week Fr. Michael unpacks two scripture passages that many find hard to receive, especially with our knowledge that God is good and loving.

References:
Episode with Abigail
Mark 11: 12-25, the passage about the fig tree
Exodus 7:13-14, the passage on the hardening of Pharaoh's heart

Episodes on fear of God:

• Be Not Afraid
• Fear of the Lord

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