S15 E9 - The Sacred Heart - Dilexit Nos (Part 3)
Abiding Together
In this week's episode, we conclude our three part series on the heart and Pope Francis’ recent encyclical . We reflect on Scripture as a personal love story, how it speaks to our areas of weakness, and the awesome reality of Jesus desiring to love and heal us there. The Lord meets us where we are and He is always seeking to bring our hearts closer to His. He speaks directly to each one of us with an invitation to be loved and to love. This invitation of love requires a response not only in big moments but in the ordinary moments of each day. Heather’s One Thing - Her friends Laura...
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S15 E8 - The Sacred Heart - Dilexit Nos (Part 2)
Abiding Together
In this week's episode, we continue our three part series on Pope Francis’ recent encyclical . We reflect on our ache to be loved, how Jesus heals in close proximity to us, and the “science of the caress”. We also talk about how Jesus is a man who comes and finds us wherever we are and longs to open up a new place for us in relationship with Him. Will we allow our hearts to beat again with love? Heather’s One Thing - Sister Miriam’s One Thing - by Dom Dysmas de Lassus Michelle’s One Thing(s) - Fr. Mark Mary’s podcast: and Other Resources Mentioned: ...
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S15 E7 - The Sacred Heart - Dilexit Nos (Part 1)
Abiding Together
In this week's episode, we begin a three part series on Pope Francis’ recent encyclical (on the human and divine love of the Heart of Jesus Christ). We discuss how God, as the Divine initiator, loved us first and continuously calls us deeper into His most Sacred Heart. We also reflect on the meaning of our hearts, being captivated by Jesus’ love, and the beauty of allowing Him to set our hearts aflame. Heather’s One Thing - Man and Woman and the Order of Creation Conference at Franciscan University () Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Michelle’s One Thing - The book by Fr....
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S15 E6 - Practical Aspects of Living Out Community
Abiding Together
In this week's episode, we continue our discussion on communion and focus on the practical aspects of living out in community. We reflect on the four main pillars of building a community: intentionality, vulnerability, proximity, and organically. We also talk about community as a journey and that we learn to love others by experiencing the love of God ourselves. This experience brings communion within us, which bears fruit, and then we are then able to give that love away to others. Heather’s One Thing - Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Quiz Michelle’s One Thing - ...
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S15 E5 - Theology of Communion
Abiding Together
In this week's episode, we talk about the theology of communion. Our desire for communion with others is very good and comes from God Himself. In fact, our ache for community is an ache for eternity. God desires to bring us into an eternal communion with Him and the community here on earth points towards this in a small way. We discuss what happens when we experience a broken community, the challenges faced in building community, and how community changes throughout the seasons of life. Heather’s One Thing - My art on the (add photos to website) Sister Miriam’s One Thing -...
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S15 E4 - Lectio Divina
Abiding Together
In this week's episode, we model what it looks like to pray Lectio Divina, which is a divine reading of Sacred Scripture. We begin by sharing the different ways we spend time in Sacred Scripture, how it has impacted our lives, and model how to pray Lectio Divina. We invite you to follow along and join us as we spend time reading and reflecting on John 15:5-8. Sacred Scripture is the voice of God and what He has said is alive forever and relevant to our lives in all situations. We encourage you to journey with us as we deepen our relationship with God through His word. Heather’s One Thing -...
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S15 E3 - Suffering & Love
Abiding Together
In this week's episode, we reflect on suffering and love. We all have deep and tender places in our hearts where we suffer. Sometimes we feel alone in these sorrows and because of this, turn inwards into our pain. But the reality is, we are never alone in our suffering; God is always with us. We also reflect on fear in suffering, suffering in isolation vs suffering in communion, and how to allow God’s light to shine into these sorrowful places. Heather’s One Thing - The subscription and . (especially this candle) Sister Miriam’s One Thing - (particularly a recent excerpt...
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S15 E2 - Living the Mysteries (Part 2)
Abiding Together
In this week's episode, we look back and remember both the glorious and luminous moments in our lives. We share how allowing the Holy Spirit to overshadow us has brought forth an overflowing of grace and restoration in our lives. We also reflect on how God desires to restore our voices in places where we are afraid and have become silent. Today, join us in reflecting on your recent faith journey to discover the beautiful ways God has been shaping your soul through your own glorious and luminous mysteries. Glorious - something you see the Lord redeeming and restoring (it can be in...
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S15 E1 - Living the Mysteries (Part 1)
Abiding Together
In this week's episode, we look back over the past year and remember both the joyful and sorrowful moments in our lives. We discuss the importance of regularly bringing our attention to what God is doing in our lives and reflecting on the opportunities we have to deepen our surrender to God’s provision. Today, join us in reflecting on your recent faith journey to discover the beautiful ways God has been shaping your soul through your own joyful and sorrowful mysteries. Joyful - an area of delight or gratitude where you have felt the tangible presence of the Lord Sorrowful - a hurt or an...
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Bonus: Abiding in Hope
Abiding Together
In this bonus episode, Heather is joined by Fr. Dave Pivonka, TOR live at the National Eucharistic Congress (NEC) for a special Abiding Together and They that Hope podcast mashup. They reflect on their experiences at the NEC and share how they hope God will transform the lives of not only those in attendance, but also those at home. Heather and Fr. Dave also discuss finding Jesus in our daily lives and the importance of feasting on God instead of earthly things. This episode is a production of and . Special thanks to for recording and hosting the live podcast stage. Heather’s...
info_outlineIn this week's episode, we continue our discussion on communion and focus on the practical aspects of living out in community. We reflect on the four main pillars of building a community: intentionality, vulnerability, proximity, and organically. We also talk about community as a journey and that we learn to love others by experiencing the love of God ourselves. This experience brings communion within us, which bears fruit, and then we are then able to give that love away to others.
Heather’s One Thing - Friends of the Bridegroom
Sister Miriam’s One Thing - What Vegetable are You? Quiz
Michelle’s One Thing - Monk Manual
Announcement:
Check out our new Small Group Resource page!
Journal Questions:
- How can I express more mercy and curiosity within my community?
- Who in my local community can I extend an invitation to?
- Is there variety in my family’s community (vocations, ages, stages of life, etc)?
- For those not currently in an Abiding Together small group: Consider praying about starting an Abiding Together small group or study group. What fears or concerns do I have about starting a group?
Discussion Questions:
- When do you feel more tempted to speak out harshly instead of conversing gently with those you’re in conflict with?
- What repeating strains and roadblocks have you observed in your relationships over the years? What do you think God may be teaching you through those strains?
- Throughout the episode, we covered four different aspects of community (intentionality, vulnerability, proximity, and organic engagement). Which of these aspects is hardest for you within your relationships?
- How can you initiate moments of organic community in your current season? Set a goal for yourself this week and check back in with each next time you connect.
Quotes to Ponder:
"God is love and in himself he lives a mystery of personal loving communion. Creating the human race in his own image .... God inscribed in the humanity of man and woman the vocation, and thus the capacity and responsibility, of love and communion." (CCC 2331)
“The person who loves their dream of community will destroy community, but the person who loves those around them will create community.” (Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Life Together: The Classic Exploration of Christian Community)
Scripture for Lectio:
“And fear came upon every soul; and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common; and they sold their possessions and goods and distributed them to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they partook of food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.” (Acts 2:43-47)
Sponsor - Nazareth Organics:
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From facial moisturizers and serums to diaper creams and body butters, Nazareth Organics carries nourishing natural products for a wide array of skin conditions.
They use grass-fed tallow from a local Catholic farm as a base for many of their balms, because it is rich in fat-soluble vitamins and fatty acids that can increase collagen production, strengthen the skin, and calm inflammation.
The best thing about this business is that it’s dedicated to the Holy Family of Nazareth. From website to packaging, every sustainably sourced product points back to the faith and the ultimate source of creation. They also donate a portion of all proceeds to Catholic charitable organizations.
If you want to honor and care for your body using pure and natural ingredients straight from God’s hands, then check out Nazareth Organics. Find them at nazareth-organics.com and use code ABIDE10 at checkout for a 10% discount. Follow them on Instagram and Facebook at: @nazarethorganics.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Nazareth Organics
01:31 - Intro
02:23 - Welcome and Recap
03:23 - Judgement vs Curiosity
06:36 - Bearing Fruit in Community
08:43 - Jesus as a Model of Community
11:05 - Aspects of Community
18:28 - Good Community Takes Time to Build
19:17 - Abiding Together Small Group Resources
22:22 - One Things