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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This week Fr. Michael talks about the archangel Gabriel and the meaning of his name. He talks about the manly strength of God and how Gabriel shows us this strength in his actions. Fr. Michael talks about fear of the Lord and how that differs from our fear of people or things that could happen to us.

References:

Fire of Mercy, Heart of the Word by Erasmus Leiva-Merikakis

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This week we've got a banter only episode. Enjoy!

References:

Finding God in the World: An Introduction to Josef Pieper's Sacramental Worldview

The Good News About Being Human in the Age of AI by Hope Schneir

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This week Fr. Michael walks through the phrase "Let us be attentive. Peace be to all. Wisdom, be attentive!" that we hear during Divine Liturgy. He talks about the etymology of some of the words, the purpose of the sentences, and how we're called to be especially attentive after hearing those commands from the priest or deacon.

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