Abiding Together

In this week's episode, we continue our Lenten study on the book "A Time of Renewal" and focus on the theme of being in conversation with Jesus. We reflect on the importance of reserving space for dialogue with God, surrendering to Him our own plans and desires, and allowing Him to love us in our poverty. The process of dying to self is always accompanied with the hope in the promise of resurrection and new life that Jesus offers.

Heather's One Thing - In thanksgiving for Deacon Bob and Fr Dave Pivonka letting her use their studio to record this episode and for being asked to be a guest on their podcast called They That Hope.

Sister Miriam's One Thing - The book How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen by David Brooks

Michelle's One Thing - Her household sisters at Francisan University

Journal Questions:

• Am I in conversation with God or in a monologue with myself?
• How can I create more space for dialogue with God?
• What Isaacs (idols) do I have?
• How do I self-sabotage in order to confirm my deepest fears?

Discussion Questions:

• What does it look like for you to be a new creation in Christ?
• Have you ever felt like God contradicts Himself? How did He resolve that apparent contradiction?
• What littleness in your life do you tend to hide and run away from? How can you be more open with the Lord in your littleness?
• What holds me back from entering into prayer honestly or making a confession regularly?

Quotes to Ponder:

"Then, a word about the Tabor Gospel. I was newly impressed by the fact that Moses and Elijah were in conversation with Jesus. Let us be occupied always in being in conversation with Jesus. We know the deepest conversations are the wordless ones. We love that simple and profound word of Pope Saint John Paul II, "Let Jesus be the one to whom you talk the most.""

(Mother Mary Francis P.C.C. A Time of Renewal. Kindle Edition. Page 76)

Scripture for Lectio:

"Here am I, Lord!" (Genesis 22:1)

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In this week's episode, we continue our Lenten study on the book "A Time of Renewal" and focus on the theme of true self-denial. We reflect on the importance of recognizing our need for God's love and allowing ourselves to be transformed by His grace. We also share personal experiences and insights on repentance, amendment, and trusting in God's plan especially when the desires of our heart are not being fulfilled. We end by discussing the joys that can come from Lent when approached with a tender, sensitive, and alert heart.

Heather's One Thing - Lenten Playlist

Heather's Other One Thing - The talk Joy, Hope, and the Way Around by Monsignor Shea

Sister Miriam's One Thing - The Pints with Aquinas episode on Transhumanism and Emerging Technologies w/ Fr. Michael Baggot (Watch on YouTube here)

Michelle's One Thing - The book A Grand Slam for God: A Journey from Baseball Star to Catholic Priest by Fr. Burke Masters

Journal Questions:

• Have I ever approached Lent with a sense of wonder?
• How have I approached Lent with self hatred in the past?
• What parts of myself are the stranger I need to welcome home and allow the Father to love?
• How can I be more open to God as the Divine Interruptor?

Discussion Questions:

• Where are you hungry? Where are others in your life hungry?
• Who in your life is the stranger you need to welcome?
• Do you believe something wonderful can happen this Lent?
• Where have you become resigned and hard of heart instead of tender and sensitive?

Quotes to Ponder:

We are called to a glorious festival of love—to be spiritually dizzied with the fact that this is how much God has loved us. Surely we shall all look at the crucifix with a new vision, a deepened understanding that he really.

(Mother Mary Francis P.C.C. A Time of Renewal. Kindle Edition. Page 37)

Scripture for Lectio:

"After John had been arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God: "This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the Gospel."" (Mark 1:14-15)

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In this week's episode, we begin our seven week Lenten study of the book "A Time of Renewal" by Mother Mary Francis P.C.C. In this episode we cover the introduction and the sections on the first four days of Lent. We discuss how Lent is an opportunity for us to grow in intimacy with God and how viewing fasting as a time of renewal, not suffering, can help us encounter a deeper transformation. We also reflect on our ability to help others grow in holiness, why Lent is the Springtime of the liturgical year, and how we can allow ourselves to bloom this Lenten season.

Heather's One Thing - Aspire to Live a Quiet Life by Francis Chan

Sister Miriam's One Thing - the women at the Trini-tea fundraiser (pictures here)

Michelle's One Thing - ABBA by Johnathan Helser and the people of Louisiana

Journal Questions:

• Take inventory of your heart: where are you? Where do I need to reflower?
• What areas of my life does the Lord want to prune?
• Am I approaching this Lent like "just another Lent"? How can I accept this Lent as a unique season and invitation from the Lord?
• What practices put me back in the gaze of the Father? How can I incorporate them into my Lenten plan?

Discussion Questions:

• Which fruits in my life are good fruits? Which fruits are bad fruits?
• How can you be more conscious of your responsibility for one another's holiness?
• Whose growth in holiness is God inviting you to be conscious of? Who can you offer your Lenten prayers and fasts up for?
• How close are you to the Lord today?

Quotes to Ponder:

"I hope we will not allow ourselves to think of it as "just another Lent". There is a very deep sense in which there is not another Lent and then another and another after that. This Lent is unlike any other. It is this acceptable time. We do not know if there will be another Lent for us, but we do know God has brought us to this acceptable time, to this prolonged day of salvation." (Mother Mary Francis P.C.C. A Time of Renewal. Kindle Edition. Page 19)

Scripture for Lectio:

"Is not this the fast that I chose: to loose the bonds of wickedness and to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free and break every yoke?" (Isaiah 58:6)

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In this week's episode, we welcome Fr. Dave Pivonka, TOR as our guest to dive deep into what it means to be in relationship with God as Father. Together we chat about how our earthly fathers both positively and negatively impact our relationship with God the Father and how to begin to receive the love of God the Father. We also share how our relationship with God the Father has changed through the loss of earthly fathers. Check out Fr. Dave's new (free!) video series entitled My father's Father (or watch here on Wildgoose).

Heather's One Thing - Upcoming pilgrimages with Franciscan to France and Alaska

Sister Miriam's One Thing - The the beauty of the Pensacola beach

Michelle's One Thing - Watching NFL Playoffs with Sister Miriam

Fr. Dave's One Thing - The book A Little Liar by Mitch Albom

Other Resources Mentioned:

• My father's Father Trailer Link
• My father's Father on Wildgoose
• My father's Father on Faith and Reason
• S3 E18: The Holy Spirit with Fr. Dave Pivonka
• S5 E22: The Holy Spirit with Fr. Dave Pivonka
• The Father's Love Spotify Playlist

Journal Questions:

• What does (or did) my father's relationship with our Heavenly Father look like?
• In what ways can I grow in honoring and being honest about my father?
• Other than my earthly father, who in my life revealed the heart of our Heavenly Father to me?
• For those whose fathers have passed away: how has my relationship with God the Father changed since my father passed away?

Discussion Questions:

• How has your relationship with your earthly father shaped your relationship with your Heavenly Father?
• In your current state of life, when do you feel most connected to your identity as a child?
• What thoughts, emotions, and associations arise when you think of your primary identity as a child?
• How can you grow in and more deeply receive your daughterhood from the Father?

Quotes to Ponder:

"The whole of the Christian life is like a great pilgrimage to the house of the Father, whose unconditional love for every human creature, and in particular for the 'prodigal son,' we discover anew each day." (JPII Tertio Millennio Adveniente)

Scripture for Lectio:

"See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!" (1 John 3:1)

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In this week's episode, we discuss the relationship between solitude and community and how no matter if we are introverted or extroverted, we need both in order to live rightly ordered lives. We reflect on how solitude and community has changed throughout the different seasons of our lives and the importance of being open to these changes so we can receive the blessings God desires to give us. When we let our cups be filled by God through authentic solitude, we are able to grow, and therefore build deeper and more intimate relationships within our community.

Heather's One Thing - The book Humans of Heaven from the January Jane Shop

Sister Miriam's One Thing - The book Hinds' Feet on High Places: An Engaging Visual Journey (Visual Journey Series) by Hannah Hurnard

Michelle's One Thing - Spending time with Sister Miriam at the O'Grady's Beach House

Journal Questions:

• What obstacles do you encounter to being in communion with Christ when you enter into silence?
• How am I tempted to perceive solitude as isolation?
• How am I tempted to perceive being with people as community?
• When I think about solitude and community and which one I currently need more of, how can I create space in my life to tend to that need?
• What needs do I need to voice to someone in my life?

Discussion Questions:

• Which comes more naturally to you: solitude or community?
• Throughout your life, which communities have brought you closer to Christ and allowed you to become more fully human?
• In your current season of life, have you sensed a stronger need for solitude or community?
• What daily, weekly, or monthly rhythms do you have to cultivate community and solitude?

Quotes to Ponder:

"Let him who cannot be alone beware of community... Let him who is not in community beware of being alone... Each by itself has profound perils and pitfalls. One who wants fellowship without solitude plunges into the void of words and feelings, and the one who seeks solitude without fellowship perishes in the abyss of vanity, self-infatuation and despair." (Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Life Together: The Classic Exploration of Faith in Community)

"True silence is a garden enclosed, where alone the soul can meet its God." (Catherine Doherty)

Scripture for Lectio:

"And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray." (Matthew 14:23 )

Sponsor - Ascension:

With the Ascension App, you can easily find answers to the most challenging questions about church teaching and Scripture. Designed to help you understand the faith like never before, you'll experience the peace that comes from deepening your prayer life and knowledge of God.

The Ascension App includes:

• Both of Fr. Mike's In a Year podcasts in one place
• Transcripts for every podcast episode
• The full texts of the Bible and Catechism
• Nearly 1,000 questions that Bible In a Year listeners have had over the years with their answers!
• Episode summaries, bonus content, and reflection questions
• Daily readings with video reflections from your favorite Catholic creators!

And if you're feeling overwhelmed or disconnected as you prepare for Lent, you're not alone. The Ascension App will be a one-stop-shop for prayer this season, with Fr. Mark Toups' Lenten Companion audio + video reflections guiding you day-by-day to an encounter with the person of Christ. Explore the Ascension App's premium features with a free 7-day trial!

In this week's episode, we reflect on the role both joy and sorrow simultaneously play in our lives. We chat about how pressing into grief allows us to more fully experience joy, and how when we try to numb ourselves to the sorrow we also numb ourselves to the experience of joy. We also talk about the importance of naming disappointments, intentionally maturing in our faith, and what we have personally learned while grieving the loss of a parent. When we learn to suffer well and meet God in the midst of our sufferings, we can reach a deep joy we never thought possible.

Heather's One Thing - Attending and speaking at SEEK '24. Watch the impact session here.

Sister Miriam's One Thing - Therapist's Conference with the JPII Healing Center

Michelle's One Thing - Nick Sabn Retiring From College Football

Journal Questions:

• What paradoxes am I called to live in right now?
• How can I bring the Lord into my disappointments?
• Am I more prone to pushing my emotions aside or letting my emotions rule my life (emotional gluttony)?
• In seasons of grief, who are the people who have been my midwives and accompanied me through those seasons?

Discussion Questions:

• What disappointments have you experienced this past year? Is it hard for you to be honest with God about those disappointments?
• What is God redeeming and restoring in your life?
• In a current disappointment or heartbreak you are feeling, what gratitude are you experiencing alongside it?
• What gifts of daily bread is the Lord providing for you in this season?

Quote to Ponder:

"Our life is a short time in expectation, a time in which sadness and joy kiss each other at every moment. There is a quality of sadness that pervades all the moments of our lives. It seems that there is no such thing as a clear-cut pure joy, but that even in the most happy moments of our existence we sense a tinge of sadness. In every satisfaction, there is an awareness of limitations. In every success, there is the fear of jealousy. Behind every smile, there is a tear. In every embrace, there is loneliness. In every friendship, distance. And in all forms of light, there is the knowledge of surrounding darkness . . . But this intimate experience in which every bit of life is touched by a bit of death can point us beyond the limits of our existence. It can do so by making us look forward in expectation to the day when our hearts will be filled with perfect joy, a joy that no one shall take away from us." (Henri J.M. Nouwen, Making All Things New: An Invitation to the Spiritual Life)

Scripture for Lectio:

He turns my mourning into dancing. You have turned my mourning into dancing; you have taken off my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, so that my soul may praise you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever. (Psalm 30:11-12)

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This episode continues our annual tradition of sharing our Word of the Year! Each year, we ask God to give us a theme to focus on for the new year and invite you to do the same. After personal prayer and reflection, we share what our words for 2024 mean to us and chat about how our words from last year have impacted our lives. At the beginning of the episode, we also share an announcement about this year's Lenten book study. We are excited to be back and look forward to seeing what this season will bring.

Heather's One Thing - Her husband Jake's upcoming course on our God-given Identity. Register here!

Sister Miriam's One Thing - The Trini-Tea tea party, a ladies tea party in Front Royal, VA on January 27, 2024 to benefit the SOLT Sisters' Motherhouse Campaign. You are invited! Register for the event here.

Michelle's One Thing - Her 2023 reading recommendation list!

Announcement:

We are excited to announce that our Lenten book study will be: A Time of Renewal: Daily Reflections for the Lenten Season by Mother Mary Francis, P.C.C. Visit our website for more information!

Journal Questions:

• If you had a word for 2023, what did God teach you through that word?
• Take some time to reflect and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal your word of the year. You could start with a scripture or just silence. After prayer and reflection, what is your word of the year?
• How does your 2024 word of the year build upon previous words of the year or seasons?
• Who can you discuss your word with and remind them of their word throughout 2024?

Discussion Questions:

• What themes has God been using as an opportunity to encounter Him?
• Are there specific scriptures, saints, or quotes that will serve as a guide or reminder of your word during the year?
• What is one change you can make in the coming year to be more open to the will of God?
• How can you place tangible reminders of your word in your daily life?

Quote to Ponder:

"For last year's words belong to last year's language and next year's words await another voice." (T.S. Eliott)

Scripture for Lectio:

"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me. Do not cast me away from your presence, and do not take your holy spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and sustain in me a willing spirit." (Psalm 51:10-12)

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Merry Christmas, friends! In this episode, we conclude our four part Advent series on the book The Reed of God by Caryll Houselander. Today, we focus on part four and discuss the sections on Our Lady Seeking, Our Seeking, The Way, and The Assumption. We reflect on the beautiful reality that when Mary looks at us, she sees her Son and how we are also called to not only become aware of Christ's presence within ourselves but also to seek His presence within those around us. In order to do this, we need to first prepare our hearts to fully accept Christ and we chat about the different ways we can become more receptive to His love. Thank you for journeying with us this Advent season. We look forward to seeing you on January 15th for the start of Season 14!

Heather's One Thing - The moment when no one else is awake and getting to sit with a cup of coffee and enjoy the Christmas tree lights

Heather's Other One Thing - The movie The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse (watch the trailer here)

Heather's Other Other One Thing - The Rescue Project especially Fr. John Ricardo's videos on the Kerygma

Sister Miriam's One Thing - Nourishing White Bean and Lemon Soup

Michelle's One Thing - Charlie Brown Christmas Special

Journal Questions:

• How can I bring light into the darkness this Christmas season?
• How can I make a gift of myself this Christmas season?
• What painful memories or grief has surfaced for me this Christmas and Advent season? Where is God in those memories and grief?
• What is the most unsuspecting place where Christ wants to reveal Himself to me?

Discussion Questions:

• How were you present to the present moment this Advent?
• How were you not present to the present moment this Advent?
• In what ways are you tempted to block the Holy Spirit throughout the Advent and Christmas seasons?
• How has our Blessed Mother encountered you throughout this book study?
• What is the Holy Spirit prompting you to do this season to more freely receive the Holy Spirit?

Quote to Ponder:

"It was another Advent, a withdrawing and folding upon the Life within her life; but a withdrawing that did not separate her from other people but only brought her closer to them; for she had found her Christ in them all." (Houselander, Caryll. The Reed of God, page 66)

Scripture for Lectio:

"I will arise now and go about the city through the streets and squares. I will seek the one I love. So I sought him but did not find him." (Song of Songs 3:2)

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In this episode, we continue with part three of our four part Advent series on the book "The Reed of God" by Caryll Houselander. Today, we focus on part three and discuss the sections on the Lost Child, Idols, and the Last Confession. We chat about how when we lose sight of Jesus, we are called to imitate Mary and seek until He is found. By persevering on this journey and staying strong in the face of distraction or complacency, we cultivate a deeper union with Him. God Himself is calling us to take this journey because out of love, He desires to give Himself to us. We also talk about the various idols in our lives, how these idols block us from growing in communion with God, and how our own woundedness can distort our perception of God.

We encourage you to go at your own pace so that the Lord can fill your heart with what you need to hear this Advent season.

Heather's One Thing - First snowfall of the season and making an eggnog latte!

Heather's Other One Thing - Grateful for parents living next door and family dinners

Sister Miriam's Half One Thing - The Women's College Volleyball Division I National Tournament

Sister Miriam's One Thing - Heather's Advent Playlist

Michelle's One Thing - Her son's Catholic Youth Sports League won first place

Michelle's Other One Thing - Leanne Bowen's Instagram Post on Mother's Intercessors

Journal Questions:

• How do I react when I am not experiencing consolation or hearing from God?
• How have I observed an invitation to deeper freedom in my relationship with God this Advent?
• How do I seek to control God?
• Where in my life do I believe that God doesn't love me or care for me?

Discussion Questions:

• How do you seek out Christ when you sense that He is lost or hidden?
• What "imaginary Christs" have you created in your life?
• How are you tempted to worship the false "convenient god"?
• How are you being inspired to seek Christ out after listening to this episode?

Quote to Ponder:

"It is this: How is it that the lives of so many people who profess to be Christian are utterly inconsistent with Christianity?" (Houselander, Caryll. The Reed of God, page 93).

Scripture for Lectio:

"Where has your beloved gone, most beautiful of women? Which way did your beloved turn, that we may look for him with you?" (Song of Songs 6:1)

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In this episode, we continue with part two of our four part Advent series on the book The Reed of God by Caryll Houselander. Today, we focus on part two and discuss the sections on Et Homo Factus Est, the Fugue, Wooden Bambino, and Et Verbum Caro Factum Est. We chat about our desire as women to protect our children, but how this desire can easily morph into control, manipulation, or possession. We reflect on how Our Lady exemplifies perfect surrender and trust as she continually releases her Son back to God as a gift freely given to her by God. We also discuss the role of suffering and brokenness in transformation and the beauty of silence in the rhythm of life.

We encourage you to go at your own pace so that the Lord can fill your heart with what you need to hear this Advent season.

Heather's One Thing - Butter Tart Recipe

Heather's Other One Thing - Stovetop Potpourri Recipe

Sister Miriam's One Thing - The simple joys of Advent

Michelle's One Thing - Support for the heartbreaking loss of the Auburn vs. Alabama college football game

Michelle's Other One Thing - Chevrolet Christmas Commercial

Journal Questions:

• How do I try to possess or manipulate others to protect them from disappointment or pain?
• Do I see my humanity as a gift or as a burden?
• In the final days before Christmas, when can I create moments of silence to meet Jesus?
• Where do I need a mother?
• Where am I afraid to be mothered?

Discussion Questions:

• How do you allow your fears of vulnerability, dependence, and a lack of control rule your life and your decisions?
• What parts of your humanity do you find God inviting you more deeply into during this Advent season?
• What Fruits of the Spirit do you need to grow in (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control)?
• How can you allow Mary to mother you to more fully experience these fruits and bring them to fruition?

Quotes to Ponder:

"Only Christ-bearers can restore the world to life and give humanity back the vitality of love." (Houselander, Caryll. The Reed of God, page 72).

"Our Lady gave humanity to God as she gave the water to Christ at Cana, to be changed into wine." (Houselander, Caryll. The Reed of God, page 83).

Scripture for Lectio:

"All things were made by him; and without him was made nothing that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it." (John 1:3–5)

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• Women in perimenopause who are getting ready for new changes

Find an instructor who's been there, who's Catholic, and who wants to support the whole "you," including the intricate and beautiful gift of your fertility.

Find out more about Whole Mission's model for whole person health education at: www.thewholemission.com