Abiding Together

In this episode, we conclude our four part Advent series on the nature and character of Mary, our Mother. We chat about the nurturing. protecting motherhood that Mary wants to offer each of us this Christmas season. We discuss how Mary is the perfect model of loving excellently, even through suffering, and that love is always worth the risk of birth. We pray that our hearts would stay open like Mary to be able to see the joy of the resurrection on the other side of our crosses. Thank you for a great season 8 and we will see you in January!

Sister Miriam's one thing - Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen

Sister Miriam's other one thing - Little Women - Louisa May Alcott

Michelle's one thing - Ascension's Bible in a Year podcast hosted by Fr. Mike Schmitz

Michelle's other one thing - The Crown season 4

Heather's one thing - Noel - Chris Tomlin featuring Lauren Daigle

Discussion questions:

1. What struck you from this week's episode?
2. How have you received God's grace to bring new life this advent?
3. How can you invite trustworthy "spiritual midwives" to be with you and help you to birth new things in your life?
4. When Mary's heart was pierced, she kept her heart open instead of choosing bitterness. Where are areas that God is inviting you to keep your heart open in the midst of suffering?

Journal Questions:

1. How is Jesus inviting you to receive the gift of his Mother this advent?
2. What is a situation where you have a choice to allow something beautiful to birth or not? Take a moment to pray for the grace to say yes to Christ this Christmas season.
3. Where have you taken arrows in relationships for the benefit of someone else. Take some time to reflect on these situations and how Mary was with you in them.

Quotes to Ponder:

"Hear me and understand well, that nothing should frighten or grieve you. Let not your heart be disturbed. Do not fear that sickness, nor any other sickness or anguish. Am I not here, who is your Mother? Are you not under my protection? Am I not your health? Are you not happily within my mantle? What else do you wish? Do not grieve nor be disturbed by anything. ― Our Lady of Guadalupe to Juan Diego

Scripture for Lectio Divina - Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, "Woman, behold, your son." Then he said to the disciple, "Behold, your mother." And from that hour the disciple took her into his home. After this, aware that everything was now finished, in order that the scripture might be fulfilled,* Jesus said, "I thirst." There was a vessel filled with common wine.* So they put a sponge soaked in wine on a sprig of hyssop and put it up to his mouth. When Jesus had taken the wine, he said, "It is finished." And bowing his head, he handed over the spirit. - John 19:25-30

This episode is created under the patronage of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Learn more about Our Lady of Guadalupe here or pray a novena to Our Lady of Guadalupe here.

In this episode, we continue our four part Advent series on the nature and character of Mary, our Mother. We discuss the call for women to be tender and strong, to fight for those we love with the power of the feminine genius. We chat about the tender strength required to watch Jesus suffer and die and the importance of trust, surrender and strength submitted under the will of God. Mary is offering her motherhood to us if we are willing to receive her invitation of protection.

Michelle's one thing - In Full Boom - Claire Swinarski

Michelle's other one thing - Rekindled - Mallory Smyth

Sister Miriam's one thing - Essays on Women - Edith Stein. ENDOW also created an online study on these writings that you can purchase online here.

Heather's one thing - Watching epic movies like Gladiator and Braveheart with her family

Discussion questions:

1. What struck you from this week's episode?
2. How can we invite Mary into our lives as a real person, more than just a statue in our church or a figure of piety in the Bible?
3. What does it look like for women to wield their swords? What does it look like for women to fight for those that they love using the feminine genius and avoiding bitterness and manipulation?
4. Where has the enemy distracted you with a small battle that has pulled your attention and intention away from what the Lord has for you?

Journal Questions:

1. How do you need Mary to fight for you? What attack from the serpent do you want her to crush? What snare do you want her to free you from? What knot do you want her to untie?
2. What struggle in your life have you resigned to just "tough it out" instead of opening to restoration? How is God inviting you to grow in surrender, vulnerability and strength through laying down resignation, grasping, and control?
3. Take some time in prayer to invite Mary's protection and defense from the enemy.

Quote to Ponder:

One instant in a still light,

He saw Our Lady then,

Her dress was soft as western sky,

And she was queen most womanly–

But she was queen of men.

Over the iron forest

He saw Our Lady stand;

Her eyes were sad withouten art,

And seven swords were in her heart–

But one was in her hand.

- G.K. Chesterton, The Ballad of the White Horse

Scripture for Lectio Divina - Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Messiah. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: "Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel. The child's father and mother marveled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: "This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too." - Luke 2: 25-35

This episode is sponsored by Project Light Ministries.

Project Light Ministries resources are designed to create space and starting points for conversations where the secular can intersect with the sacred. Their resources make no assumptions and meet each person right where they are. They use the power of storytelling on film because each one of us needs to know we are not alone. The aim of creating a film is not just about getting a message out there. The process dictates that our media is raw, honest, and beautiful. For this reason, they make documentary style films, a specialty of their partner 4PM Media. They achieve captivating cinematography by appealing to truth and beauty in everything they approach.‍

Nine years ago, they dreamed of helping others create a safe space where individuals could sit and find the courage to tell their story. Where men & women, young & old, would affirm their worth by sharing bits of brokenness of their past chapters & current struggles. A space that would confront the uncomfortable, talk about the "taboo" and shine light into the darkest parts of our hearts. A place that would offer hope, grace, mercy and an invitation to rewrite the script of society. We are the ones called to speak truth over one another of a God who calls us by name who can redeem the darkest parts of our story.

You can find Project Light Ministries films as a DVD or digital download at www.projectlightministries.com. Enter the code "abide10" for 10% off of the DVD Bundle which includes a copy of both "Speaking to Sparrows" and "The 4th Man".

This episode is created under the patronage of Our Lady of Sorrows. Learn more about the novena to our Lady of Sorrows here or the Seven Sorrows Rosary here.

In this episode, we continue with Part 2 of our Advent series on Mary, our Mother. The garden of her womb represents safety, tenderness, being wanted, and love. We discuss the restoration of Eve's failures that came about through Mary's surrender and the restoration God wants to work in our lives through our surrender and trust. We chat about the importance of saying yes in the moment by moment of every day. We reflect on the idea of placing ourselves in the womb of Mary and allowing her to mother us as the Holy Spirit transforms us. We pray you allow the Holy Spirit to visit you this advent and create new life!

Michelle's one thing - Holding babies and young children

Sister Miriam's one thing - Red Lentil Curry Soup recipe

Heather's one thing - Unveiled Marriage Retreat by the John Paul II Healing Center. You can find all the retreats hosted by the John Paul II Healing Center at: https://jpiihealingcenter.org/events/.

Books Mentioned - Reed of God - Caryll Houselander

Discussion questions:

1. What struck you from this week's episode?
2. Where are the areas that you want to or need to be nurtured and mothered by Mary?
3. Mary experienced Jesus in everyday, regular life. What is God trying to grow in what may seem ordinary in your life? How is He inviting you into gratitude, wonder, and the childlike joy of the ordinary?
4. In the midst of our brokenness, God has created a way for us to receive His body into ours through the Eucharist. How do we receive Jesus at Mass as Mary received Jesus in her womb?

Journal Questions:

1. What is God preparing to birth or make new in you this Advent?
2. Use your imagination to place yourself in the womb of Mary or the home at Nazareth. Imagine Mary and Joseph awaiting your arrival with joy and love. Imagine receiving everything you need from the generosity of others, being entirely protected and entirely loved. What does this experience of prayer stir up in you?
3. Mary lived a human life fully alive. Ask the Holy Spirit what your life would look like living fully alive and ask Mary to journey with you towards a fully alive life.

Quotes to Ponder:

"When the angel appeared to Mary, God was announcing this love for the new humanity. It was the beginning of a new earth, and Mary became 'a flesh-gift Paradise to be gardened by the new Adam.' As in the first garden, Eve brought destruction, so in the garden of her womb Mary would now bring Redemption." - Venerable Archbishop Fulton Sheen

"Christ must be born from every soul, formed in every life. If we had a picture of Our Lady's personality we might be dazzled into thinking that only one sort of person could form Christ in himself, and we should miss the meaning of our own being. Nothing but things essential for us are revealed to us about the Mother of God: the fact that she was wed to the Holy Spirit and bore Christ into the world. Our crowning joy is that she did this as a lay person and through the ordinary daily life that we all live; through natural love made supernatural, as the water at Cana was, at her request, turned into wine." ― Caryll Houselander, The Reed of God: A New Edition of a Spiritual Classic

Scripture for Lectio Divina - During those days Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, "Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled." - Luke 1:39-45

This episode is sponsored by Leanne Bowen Fine Art.

Leanne Bowen is a Catholic artist who strives to make beautiful things that radiate Christ's love. Check out her work for images of the Sacred, Immaculate, and Most Chaste Hearts, portraits of the Saints, and images from prayer. She makes beautiful wedding and Sacrament cards, as well as Christmas Cards. She also has great stocking stuffers like vinyl stickers, magnets, and pins. If you are looking for a truly beautiful and unique gift to put beneath the tree this year, visit www.leannebowen.com. She is offering 15% off to all our listeners through January 1st with the code ABIDE15.

This episode is created under the patronage of Mary, Our Lady of Carmel. You can find a novena to Our Lady of Carmel here.

In this episode, we begin our four part Advent series on Mary, our heavenly Mother. We discuss the powerful model Mary is for us in how she trusted the character of God when she surrendered control of her own life to say yes to the Holy Spirit. We also chat about seeking healing for areas where motherhood has wounded us or we have been dominated and manipulated by others. Sister Miriam leads a beautiful time of prayer inviting Mary to mother us and Jesus to heal us. We pray you continue to open your hearts wide to Jesus coming this Advent!

Sister Miriam's one thing - Nine Days to Welcome Peace and Nine Days to Rediscover the Joy of Prayer - Father Jacques Philippe

Michelle's one thing - Till I Found you - Phil Wickham

Heather's one thing - Advent Traditions like wooden advent wreath and Unwrapping the Greatest Gift: A Family Celebration of Christmas - Ann Voskamp

Discussion questions:

1. What struck you from this week's episode?
2. What are some areas in your life that you grasp for control where God is inviting you to surrender in trust?
3. Even if you have accepted Jesus into your life, where are there still blocks to your openness and receptivity to Him? What are the situations or wounds in your life where you have not allowed Jesus to love you fully?
4. Where is Mary inviting you to seek healing in or from distorted motherhood? Where is Jesus inviting you to seek healing from distorted masculinity?

Journal Questions:

1. What aspect of God's character are you being invited to encounter this Advent, so that you can begin to trust like Mary?
2. What decisions in life do you think your 'yes' or 'no' is motivated primarily by fear, trying to avoid suffering, avoiding intimacy, or avoiding abandonment and disappointment? How can Mary mother you there and bring you to Jesus for healing? What decisions in life is your 'yes' or 'no motivated primarily by love, self gift and truth?
3. What does true life-giving motherhood look like in your life?
4. How did Sister Miriam's prayer during this week's episode impact you? Is there anything you need to bring to Jesus from this time of prayer?

Quotes to Ponder:

"It was that the knot of Eve's disobedience was loosed by the obedience of Mary. For what the Virgin Eve had bound fast through unbelief, this did the Virgin Mary set free through faith." - St. Irenaeus

"Every woman has something in herself inherited from Eve, and she must search for the way from Eve to Mary" - Edith Stein

Scripture for Lectio Divina - In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin's name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, "Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you." But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. Then the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end." But Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?" And the angel said to her in reply, "The holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived* a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; for nothing will be impossible for God. "Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word." Then the angel departed from her. Luke 1:26-38

This episode is created under the patronage of Mary, Undoer of Knots. You can find a novena to Mary, Undoer of Knots here.

In this episode, we talk about living a healthy and integrated physical and spiritual life with special guest Jackie Mulligan of Reform Wellness. We discuss the importance of acknowledging our weaknesses and holes, so Christ can make us whole and place us on the path to holiness. We chat about the idea of Christ-centered wellness where health is more than a number on a scale but a step-by-step renewal that leads to an abundant life. You can find out more about Jackie and Reform Wellness online at reformwellness.co and on Instagram @reform_wellness.

Jackie's one thing- Interior Castle - St. Theresa of Avila

Heather's one thing - Take Heart Again - Hillsong United

Michelle's one thing - Bold Blooming - Jill Simmons

Sister Miriam's one thing - Rejoice Advent: Meditations with Mary and Joseph - Fr. Mark Toups and Ascension Press. Use the code ABIDE10 to receive 10% off any of the gorgeous custom artwork that goes along with the series!

Discussion questions:

1. What struck you from this week's episode?
2. Jackie mentioned the first step in living an integrated health is awareness. Of the nine pillars - faith, nutrition, sleep, stress management, community, personal growth, movement and play - what is one area you recognize you are living a healthy life and one area you acknowledge you need healing and wellness?
3. What keeps you from living a healthy, integrated life? - fear of failure, fear of exposure, fear of change, busyness/distraction?
4. Where have you seen Jesus bring "holes" into wholeness in your life and the lives of people you care about?

Journal Questions:

1. The first step to integrated living is making space for the Lord and being Christ centered. What is one way you can make space for the Lord this week? What else might be in the center of your life instead of Jesus?
2. Just like you would to prepare for confession, take a moment to make an examination. What's the state of your body? What's the state of your soul? Where the areas are in your health that you haven't invited the Lord into? Where do you lack discipline?
3. Invite the Lord to reveal to you the area of your wellbeing where you are in need of focus and the presence of Jesus. Pray "Jesus re-form me."

Quote to Ponder: "To reform. A little each day. This must be your constant concern if you really want to become a saint." - St. Josemaría Escrivá

Scripture for Lectio Divina - "Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies." - 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

In this episode, we complete part 3 of our series on the Person of Jesus revealed in Scripture and what it means to personally know Jesus as the Way, the Truth and the Life. We chat about how relevant this is for us right now as we struggle to see a way forward in the craziness of the world and struggle to know what the truth really is amidst the enemy's lies. We discuss how living the Paschal Mystery over and over is the Way to experience new life. Jesus invites us to an abundant life: the life that longs to be lived in us. It is not a riddle to be solved, but an invitation to stay with Him.

Heather's one thing - I Believe - Damascus Worship. You can also find out more about the mission of Damascus and their missionary school online here.

Michelle's one thing - Something Has To Break - Kierra Sheard and Tasha Cobbs Leonard

Michelle's other one thing - The Advent Prayer Cards on sale now!

Sister Miriam's one thing - The Best Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Discussion questions:

1. What struck you from this week's episode?
2. How have the themes of trust and dependence in this season of life prepared you to receive Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life?
3. What has been your personal experience of Jesus creating a way where you felt like there was no way? Is there a place that you need Him to make a way right now?
4. Jesus is not playing hide and seek with us, he desires us to know the way. How is Jesus inviting you to stay close to him in order to experience Him as the way, truth and life for you personally?

Journal Questions:

1. What is a situation in your life where you feel like there is no way forward? Take a moment to pray the words "Jesus you are the way."
2. The way Jesus shows us in scripture is the Paschal Mystery - the cycle of suffering, dying and rising again. How is Jesus inviting you further up and further in to living the Paschal Mystery in this season of your life?
3. Is the life you are living, the life that longs to be lived in you?
4. How have you made agreements with lies or false beliefs about who you are? Take a moment and invite Jesus the Truth into those areas and ask him to speak truth.

Quote to Ponder - "If, then, you are looking for the way by which you should go, take Christ, because he himself is the way: This is the way; walk in it. If you are looking for a goal, hold fast to Christ, because he himself is the truth, where we desire to be. My mouth shall reflect on the truth. If you are looking for a resting place, hold fast to Christ, because he himself is the life. Whoever finds me finds life, and receives salvation from the Lord." - St Thomas Aquinas

Scripture for Lectio Divina - John 14:5-6 "Thomas said to him, "Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?" Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

Other Scripture to Pray With -

• Isaiah 30:21
• John 8:31-32
• Isaiah 43:16
• Exodus 15:1-22

This episode is sponsored by The Little Catholic.

The Little Catholic empowers women through hand-crafted, meaningful pieces that cultivate deeper faith and evangelization through beauty. Our impact extends beyond jewelry and empowering women. We also empower and partner with non-profits around the globe, designing beautiful pieces unique to their cause and donating a portion of all proceeds back to their mission. Giving back is one of our fundamental values.

In this episode, we continue with part 2 in our series on the Person of Jesus as revealed in Scripture. We break open one of our favorite topics: abiding in the vine. We talk about the freedom that comes from dependence on Jesus and the patience required to allow fruit to mature. When we can let down our defenses of self-protection and allow ourselves to be crushed as grapes, God can transform us into a new wine that is good and sweet, even if it hurts. Jesus is inviting us into a maturation process, a continual surrender that will ultimately bear good fruit, fruit that lasts, for the kingdom.

Heather's one thing - They That Hope Podcast - Fr. Dave Pivonka and Dr. Bob Rice

Michelle's one thing - Know You - Koryn Hawthorne featuring Steffany Gretzinger

Michelle's other one thing - How Great - Koryn Hawthorne

Sister Miriam's one thing - Life Model: Living from the Heart Jesus Gave you - James Friesen

Discussion questions:

1. What struck you from this week's episode?
2. Read John 15 together. What word or phrase speaks to you on how God desires for you to abide in and be dependent on him
3. Heather shared about times that she felt like she had to be the vine- the life source, the provider, and security, for her branches- her people, family, and community. Have you ever felt like you had to be the vine? How have you experienced the freedom of dependence by surrendering these people and circumstances back to the Lord?
4. Michelle reminded us 'new wine isn't quick.' What is one fruit in your life that has required time and patience to fully mature? What is one area that you are still waiting for maturation?

Journal Questions:

1. What is an area you may be resisting the crushing or where you are settling for 'old stale grape juice' when God is wanting to create new wine out of you?
2. Reflect on how you have seen fruitfulness when allowing God to crush you and create something good and sweet.
3. Take some time to reflect on the questions posed by Michelle and Heather: Is my heart growing colder or warmer towards others? Am I moody or constantly in a bad mood? Do I get fixated on offenses or I'm willing to overlook most? Are the fruits of the Holy Spirit active and visible in my life?
4. We never know when change is around the corner, when breakthrough is about to happen, when the promise is about to come to fruition. Where is God inviting you to lean into the vine and trust in his promise?

Quote to Ponder - "To be living branches in the vineyard of the Church means above all to be in living communion with Christ the vine. The branches are not self-sufficient; they are totally dependent on the vine. In the vine is the source of their life."- JPII

Scripture for Lectio Divina - John 15:5 "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

Other Scripture to Pray With -

• Galatians 4:4
• Galatians 5:22
• John 15: 1-17

This episode is sponsored by The Little Catholic.

The Little Catholic empowers women through hand-crafted, meaningful pieces that cultivate deeper faith and evangelization through beauty. Our impact extends beyond jewelry and empowering women. We also empower and partner with non-profits around the globe, designing beautiful pieces unique to their cause and donating a portion of all proceeds back to their mission. Giving back is one of our fundamental values.

Follow the Leader - Jesus, The Good Shepherd

In this episode, we begin a 3 part series on the Person of Jesus as revealed in Scripture. We break open Psalm 23 and discuss how we are personally invited to experience the comfort, provision, protection, restoration, correction, and leadership of the Good Shepherd. We also talk about the failure of some of our shepherds on earth and how God wants to restore us. Jesus the Good Shepherd wants us to experience Him personally.

Michelle's one thing - Her new nephew, Quinn David, and all mothers of young children

Heather's one thing - Our listeners and passing the 5 million downloads threshold

Heather's other one thing - The Search - Chris Stefanick and FORMED. You can also access the panel discussions on each episode at beholdvancouver.org starting on November 5 from 7:00-8:30 Pacific Time

Sister Miriam's one thing - The Great Adventure Catholic Bible - Ascension Press

Discussion questions:

1. What struck you from this week's episode?
2. Read Psalm 23 together. What word or phrase speaks to you on how God has been a shepherd to you in this season?
3. The catechism reminds us that it is Christ alone who unfailingly nourishes and leads us. Where have you looked to man-made ways and earthly leaders to shepherd you instead of Jesus, the Good Shepherd?
4. The rod and and staff are used to protect the flock and snatch back the sheep who are prone to wander. How have you seen God's rod and staff at work in your life? Where do you need God to shepherd you by wielding his rod and staff?

Journal Questions:

1. What does it mean, for you personally, that Jesus is the Good Shepherd? Reflect on a time that God has shown his providence, protection and leadership in your life.
2. Who are the shepherds - priests, pastors and leaders - who have imaged for you the face of Christ as the Good Shepherd? Take a moment to express gratitude for the gift of their lives and vocations.
3. Who are the shepherds - priests, pastors and leaders - who have disfigured the face of Christ as the Good Shepherd due to their failures and sins. Take a moment to invite God into your hurt and ask that He would restore those places.
4. Spend some time reading and praying through the shepherd imagery in John 10, Psalm 23, or Luke 15:3-6. Allow the Holy Spirit to reveal who Jesus says He is.

Quote to Ponder - "I am like the sick sheep that strays from the rest of the flock. Unless the Good Shepherd takes me on His shoulders and carries me back to His fold, my steps will falter, and in the very effort of rising, my feet will give way." - St. Jerome

Scripture for Lectio Divina - Psalm 23: 1-6

The LORD is my shepherd there is nothing I lack.

In green pastures he makes me lie down; to still waters he leads me; he restores my soul.

He guides me along the right paths for the sake of his name.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff comfort me.

You set a table before me in front of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

Indeed, goodness and mercy will pursue me all the days of my life; I will dwell in the house of the LORD for endless days.

Other Scripture to Pray With -

• Isaiah 40:11
• Isaiah 53:6
• Ezekiel 34:11-16
• Luke 15: 3-7
• John 10: 1-42

This episode is sponsored by Walking With Purpose.

Learn more about your faith while you build meaningful relationships in a Walking with Purpose Bible study group. Hundreds of parishes are offering WWP Bible studies right now, and you can search by location to find a group near you. What's more, most parish-based Bible study groups are virtual this fall, so you may join up with your Sisters-in-Christ from the comfort of home. We are not meant to journey alone! Search for a parish program or start your own WWP Bible study group today.

In this episode we chat with Dr. Andrew Swafford, associate professor of theology at Benedictine College. We talk about encountering the Person of Jesus in scripture and the power of connecting the head and the heart. We also discuss the beauty of Scripture, how to connect the dots between the old and the new, and how Scripture is always relevant to every time and culture.

Dr. Andrew Swafford's one thing - his wife, Sarah

Dr. Andrew Swafford's other one thing - The Glories of Divine Gracie - Fr. Matthias Scheeben

Heather's one thing - Victory - Jay and Jo

Michelle's one thing - The Impact of God - Fr. Iain Matthew

Michelle's other one thing - Fr. Mark Mary and Fr. Innocent CFR and their visit to Pensacola

Sister Miriam's one thing - Butternut Squash and all Fall recipes

Books Mentioned - All the titles mentioned by Dr. Swafford can be found online here.

Here are the three recommendations to get your started:

1. Mystery of the Kingdom - Dr. Edward Sri
2. God with us - Dr. Edward Sri
3. A Father Who Keeps His Promises - Scott Hahn

You can also receive 20% off any studies in the Hebrews collection by Dr. Andrew Swafford through Ascension Press with the code Abide20. Check out all Hebrews has to offer!

Discussion questions:

1. What struck you from this week's episode?
2. What has been your experience with the Holy Scriptures? Did you grow up reading the Bible often, have you just recently discovered the living Word of God or are you still not sure where to begin?
3. Dr. Swafford mentioned the threat of Catholic Deism - where faith becomes about an idea and not about a person. How have the scriptures fostered your relationship with the person of Jesus?
4. Dr. Swafford said "theology is really about intellectual discipleship." How do/can your bible studies, discussion groups and personal study create disciples around you?

Journal Questions:

1. Dr. Swafford's journey began with an intentional mentorship from Dr. Sri. Pray about who God is inviting you to intentionally disciple and what would that look like.
2. Dr. Swafford encouraged us to start small. What's one small daily scripture exercise you can commit to this week?
3. Take some time to reflect on your favorite scripture verse or one that has impacted your life. Ask the Holy Spirit how God wants to speak this word over your life in a new way.

Quote to Ponder - "Learn the Heart of God from the Word of God." - Pope St. Gregory

Scripture for Lectio Divina - Joshua 1:8 "This book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth; you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to act in accordance with all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall be successful."

The Power of Poverty & The Beauty of Mercy - Part 2

In this episode we continue with Part 2 of our interview with Fr Mark-Mary CFR. We discuss the invitation to encounter the presence of Jesus in the poor, our fears that can get in the way, and living the corporal works of mercy with those who are among us.

Fr. Mark Mary's one thing - All the lovely women in his life and their amazing feminine genius, most especially Michelle Benzinger

Sister Miriam's one thing - Cause of our Joy - Mother Mary Francis, P.C.C

Michelle's one thing - The friendship of Heather, Sister Miriam, and Fr. Mark Mary

Heather's one thing - Canadian Thanksgiving, eh?

Heather's other one thing - Maverick City, Vol. 3 Pt. 2- Maverick City Music

Discussion questions:

1. What struck you from this week's episode?
2. What are some fears or hesitancies that have kept you from encountering Jesus in the poor?
3. In Matthew 25, Jesus invites us to feed the hungry, clothe the naked and welcome the stranger. Where do the opportunities to respond to this call already exist in your everyday life? How did this episode change the way you look at your response to Mathew 25?
4. Jesus asked St. Francis to rebuild his church and Fr. Mark Mary invited us to rebuild the church through prayer. How can we continue becoming a people of prayer who allow the Holy Spirit to operate in and through us?

Journal Questions:

1. In Matthew 26, Jesus said, "the poor you will always have with you." Who are the poor among you? If no one comes to mind initially, pray for the Holy Spirit to open your eyes to see those who are in material need and those are unloved, unwanted or unnoticed.
2. Fr. Benedict often said the poor are the eighth sacrament - reflect on how you have received the grace of God in seeing, knowing and serving the materially and spiritually poor among you.
3. What is the grace you need most to respond to Jesus's invitation and live out the corporal works of mercy in your everyday life?

Quote to Ponder - "We think sometimes that poverty is only being hungry, naked and homeless. The poverty of being unwanted, unloved and uncared for is the greatest poverty. We must start in our own homes to remedy this kind of poverty." - Mother Teresa

Scripture for Lectio Divina - Matthew 25: 31-46 "When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit upon his glorious throne, and all the nations will be assembled before him. And he will separate them one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. Then the king will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.' Then the righteous will answer him and say, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? When did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you?' And the king will say to them in reply, 'Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.' Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you accursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, a stranger and you gave me no welcome, naked and you gave me no clothing, ill and in prison, and you did not care for me.' Then they will answer and say, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or ill or in prison, and not minister to your needs?' He will answer them, 'Amen, I say to you, what you did not do for one of these least ones, you did not do for me.' And these will go off to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.'"