Abiding Together
In this episode, we continue our Lenten book study and focus on chapters 7 & 8. We reflect on the many ways Jesus wants to make us whole, by exercising the evil out of our lives, forgiving our sins, and leading us to freedom. We also compare that to what the enemy is trying to do, make us feel alone, scatter the pieces of our heart, and bring us out of communion with each other and with God. Jesus wants to love us into healing and is waiting for our invitation. It is up to us to open the door and allow Jesus to enter ever deeper into our hearts. Heather’s One Thing -...
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In this episode, we continue our Lenten book study and focus on chapters 5 & 6. We talk about the original roots of jubilee in the Old Testament, if the Israelites actually observed the jubilee, and how the Dead Sea Scrolls are relevant to jubilee. We also reflect on the importance of prophetic voices, the need to prepare for Sabbath, and why having an open heart allows the Lord to exceed our expectations. Heather’s One Thing - Video Series with Dr. John Bergsma and Fr. Dave Pivonka Sister Miriam’s One Thing - How Change Occurs Series and from Restore the Glory Podcast...
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In this episode, we continue our Lenten book study and focus on chapters 3 & 4. We discuss the Ten Commandments, how they teach us to say yes to true freedom, and why our voluntary yes helps us live in deeper communion with God and those around us. We also reflect on finding Eden in our Churches or homes, discovering our golden calves, and the significance of doing our daily duty well. Heather’s One Thing - Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Vickie, Chris, and Fr. Patrick at Holy Trinity and St. Michael's Parishes in Kewaskum, WI (See the picture on our ) Michelle’s One...
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In this episode, we continue our Lenten book study and focus on chapters 1 & 2. We reflect on how God originally designed us in the Garden of Eden, how the lies and idols we invite into our lives strip away this identity, and how the Jubilee is a time of restoration. We also dive deep into the biblical significance of the ten plagues, why tearing down our idols is a painful process, and the beauty of hoping for a good not yet seen. Heather’s One Thing - The Festival of Praise at Franciscan University and the song Heather’s Other One Thing - Ascension’s Sister Miriam’s One...
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In this episode, we begin our Lenten book study “Jesus and the Jubilee” and welcome the author, Dr. John Bergsma, to the podcast! Dr. Bergsma shares his powerful conversion story during the Great Jubilee Year in 2000 and why he felt called to write a book about this Jubilee Year of Hope. We also reflect on this Jubilee year as a time of abundant grace, why Reconciliation is the Sacrament of Jubilee, and how we can engage the virtue of hope this Lenten season. Heather’s One Thing - by Dominic Polito Sister Miriam’s One Thing - () () Michelle’s One Thing - Dr....
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In this episode, we talk about spiritual mentorship and being formed in Jesus. We reflect on the spiritual mentors who have journeyed with us and share stories about the lessons that have shaped who we are today. We also talk about why comparison crushes our ability to receive, our calling to make disciples of all nations, and how the daily witness of our lives is an answer to this call. Heather’s One Thing - by Jacob Collier and Chris Martin Sister Miriam’s One Thing - on the Restore the Glory Podcast and her lectures on Thomistic Psychology () () Michelle’s One Thing -...
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In this episode, we celebrate eight years of abiding together with you! We want to celebrate what God has done and is doing in not only our lives, but also in yours. We reflect on why we started the podcast and how our hearts still echo with a desire to help women grow closer to our Lord through communion with others. We share why we surrender the podcast to the Holy Spirit, how we’ve navigated supporting each other through different seasons of life, and what our hopes are for the future of the podcast. Most of all, we want to thank you for how you’ve received our vulnerability, your...
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In this episode, we talk about how we can receive graces by making a spiritual pilgrimage to Nazareth. We reflect on the Holy Family, how they teach us to love well, and how they show us how to build a family that heals and transforms its members. We also discuss the sanctification of the ordinary, how life is found in doing our daily duty well, and how to dialogue with others. Nazareth is a place of love, and we invite you to use your imagination and make the journey with us. Heather’s One Thing - Discovering your God-given Heather’s Other One Thing - by Jackie Angel...
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In this episode, we welcome Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR to talk about his podcast . He shares the inspiration behind his podcast and the importance of meditating on and understanding the mysteries of our faith. We also reflect on prayer being something received not produced, how the Rosary specifically answers the cry of our hearts to learn how to pray, and how Mary intercedes for us within this prayer. Our desire is that Fr. Mark-Mary’s podcast will be an aid as you take the next step deeper in your prayer life. Heather’s One Thing - Recipe Heather’s Other One Thing - by Bob...
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In this episode, we talk about Pope Francis’ on the Jubilee Year of Hope! A Jubilee year occurs once every 25 years and it is a year set apart and consecrated just for our Lord. We chat about what it looks like to be pilgrims of hope, especially in the places where we have deep sorrows or unfulfilled desires. We reflect on how we can bring these tender places to our Lord and let them be illuminated, so He can redeem and restore the light of hope in our lives. Keeping our hearts open to hope can be painful and crucifying. But when we enter into this pilgrimage, we are transformed in the...
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:
Nazareth Organics (@nazarethorganics) is a Catholic family-owned natural skincare company that handcrafts balms with high quality, wild-crafted, and organic ingredients from nature.
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