This week we're joined by special guest, Maddie! Maddie is currently a dokimos at the monastery. Maddie talks about C.S. Lewis' book, Till We Have Faces, and how it was so impactful to her in the her time of discernment. She shares themes of the book and how we can see these in our day to day life.

References:

Till We Have Faces by C.S. Lewis

Dr. Peter Kreeft's Lecture on Till We Have Faces Part 1 and Part 2

Hundredfold by Sister Agnes

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This week Mother Natalia has a few short topics. First she talks about making her smart phone less smart to help her grow in virtue. Then she talks about spiritual motherhood in response to an email from a listener. Finally, she gives a quick overview of a talk she's giving.

References:

Friendship in the Lord by Fr. Paul Hinnebusch

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This week Fr. Michael recounts his recent visit to Taiwan. He talks about the people he encountered, especially Fr. Raymond. He shares how Fr. Raymond interacts with his parishioners who span a wide geography.

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This week Mother Natalia shows us how criticism is contagious. She gives a few examples in her life and talks about how she's noticed this in herself and others. She talks about how our interactions with people give them a hint of who we are when we aren't with them, and the way we might build them up or tear them down to others.

References:

Setting the Table by Danny Meyer

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This week Fr. Michael talks about ways the devil may have attacked Adam and Eve's memory, putting shame into memories where there was no shame before. He  talks about ways that shame can prevent a full relationship with God.

References:

Descent into Light Podcast

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This week Mother Natalia shares a recent conviction she had about being silent during periods of silence. She uses that to give suggestions on what we can do for the Great Fast, moderate things instead of grand gestures.

References:

The Philokalia, Volume 2

Great Lent: Journey to Pascha by Alexander Schmemann

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This week Fr. Michael reflects on tradition vs canon, inspired by his recent Christmas tree decorating. (Yes, this was recorded a few weeks back!) He talks about ways to identify tradition vs canon in our individual life, our family life, and our parish life. He talks about the importance of setting norms, even for adults, but also being able to identify when flexibility is needed. Fr. Michael also talks about setting aside work for the sake of rest.

References:

The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis

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This week Fr. Michael talks about prayer and being sincere in prayer, both directly with God and also when asking the saints for assistance. He also talks about spiritual fatherhood and some of the ways he's experienced some of the "normal" experiences that biological fathers experience.

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This week Mother Natalia reflects on the Visitation, and how Mary may have felt seen by Elizabeth. She talks about the importance of being seen by others and the importance of us seeing each other. Mother Natalia also talks about the healing that comes from being seen by Christ in confession.

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This week we have two mini-topics. First we talk about priestly celibacy and married priesthood, the spousal relationship with the church and the spousal relationship with Christ. Then we make a shift and talk about the cycles within the church, daily reception of the Eucharist, and how some of the norms around daily reception of the Eucharist came to be.

References:

Behold a Great Light: A Daily Devotional for the Nativity Fast through Theophany by Stephen De Young

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