In this episode we spend some time with one of our dearest friends, Fr. Josh Johnson, to discuss the invitation to God’s mercy as we prepare for the season of Lent. Fr. Josh shares his own personal stories of healing through the sacrament of confession, as well his heart behind his new book A Pocket Guide to Reconciliation. We discuss confession as a sacrament of healing and God’s heart to restore our relationship with Him rather than condemn or shame us. We will be back next week with part two of our conversation with Fr. Josh, and you can find the Pocket Guide to Reconciliation at AscensionPress.com or Amazon. 

Fr. Josh Johnson’s one thing -  Make us one - Maverick City Music

Come and Get your Love - Father Commercial Father Josh referenced  

Sister Miriam’s one thing - The students at Hillsdale College

Heather’s one thing - Helena and Serra at Franciscan University

Heather’s other one thing - Fresh Wind - Hillsong

Michelle’s one thing - La La Lu - Christy Nockles from the Album Be Held: Lullabies for the Beloved

Discussion questions:    

1. What struck you from this week’s episode?
2. Share your experience with the sacrament of reconciliation. Are there any experiences of healing and restoration you would like to share with your small group?
3. Where have you felt you needed to cover or hide yourself when coming before the Lord? How does the word ‘uncovered’ shed a new light on confession as opposed to ‘exposed’?
4. What can you do as a group to encourage one another to respond to the invitation to God’s mercy this Lent?                                                                               

Journal Questions:

1. What shame, fears, or lies about yourself or God keep you from experiencing God’s mercy through the sacrament of reconciliation? 
2. What is God inviting you to let go of in order to receive mercy? 
3. Take some time to pray through John 21:1-19 and imagine yourself in the place of Peter. What words can you imagine Jesus speaking to you after confession and repentance for your sins?

Quote to Ponder: “Today the Lord said to me, ‘Daughter, when you go to confession, to this fountain of My mercy, the Blood and Water which came forth from My Heart always flows down upon your soul and ennobles it.  Every time you go to confession, immerse yourself entirely in My mercy, with great trust, so that I may pour the bounty of My grace upon your soul.  When you approach the confessional, know this, that I Myself am waiting there for you. I am only hidden by the priest, but I Myself act in your soul.  Here the misery of the soul meets the God of mercy.  Tell souls that from this fount of mercy souls draw graces solely with the vessel of trust.  If their trust is great, there is no limit to My generosity. The torrents of grace inundate humble souls. The proud remain always in poverty and misery, because My grace turns away from them to humble souls.’” -  St. Faustina , The Diary of St. Faustina, 1602

Scripture for Lectio Divina:

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” - 1 John 1:9 

Abiding Together Podcast 2021 Lenten Book Study Announcement:

The Abiding Together Podcast will be reading and discussing This Present Paradise by Claire Dwyer. You can find the reading plan, discussion questions and where to buy your book at www.abidingtogetherpodcast.com/this-present-paradise.

This episode is sponsored by Ascension Press. New from Ascension, "The Pocket Guide to the Sacrament of Reconciliation" is a beautiful, prayerful book by Fr. Mike Schmitz and Fr. Josh Johnson.  This small but powerful guide is the perfect size to slip into your pocket or purse, and will give you reflections, guidance, and an examination of conscience that you can bring with you to prepare for your sacramental encounter with God's mercy and forgiveness.  Whether you have been away from Confession for a long time or you are looking for a fresh way to enliven your regular routine, The Pocket Guide to the Sacrament of Reconciliation will help you encounter God's merciful love and forgiveness in new and beautiful ways. Get your copy at www.AscensionPress.com/Reconciliation.

The book is available for pre-order and is expected to start shipping February 19 and listeners will receive 15% off with code abide15.