Abiding Together

Pope Francis' Easter Message In this episode we talk about Pope Francis's Easter homily. We discuss the themes of not being paralyzed in the midst of fear, overcoming self protection, the power in choosing to do the next right thing, and practicing resurrection in our lives. Small acts of love and receiving the gift of hope can be the game changers we need in this season. Sister Miriam's one thing - Heather Khym's playlist, "Hallelujah is our Song" Michelle's one thing - The series The Chosen (Watch the trailer) Heather's one thing - Stephanie Gretzinger's new song, "Center of all History". The song "Peace" by Bethel Resources: The text of Pope Francis' Easter Vigil Homily Discussion questions: What struck you from the podcast? What was a little hidden "Easter egg" that you found this year? In this cloistered time, how will you take silence to hear God speak to you, so you can emerge a resurrected person? What are small gestures of care, affection, and prayer that you can make this week? What are the stones you place in front of hope? Journal Questions: Reflect and journal about this scripture: Matthew 28:1-7. What does it speak to you personally? Put yourselves in the position of one of the women throughout the Passion narrative. How do you react? What is the mountain that overwhelms you? How can you focus on the next right step? What are the places that you self protect and possibly miss out on a gift that God wants to give you? Quote to Ponder - "Jesus' hope is different. He plants in our hearts the conviction that God is able to make everything work unto good, because even from the grave he brings life." - Pope Francis Scripture for Lectio Divina - Matthew 28:1-7 When the sabbath was over,Mary Magdalene, Mary, the mother of James, and Salomebought spices so that they might go and anoint him.Very early when the sun had risen,on the first day of the week, they came to the tomb.They were saying to one another,"Who will roll back the stone for usfrom the entrance to the tomb?"When they looked up,they saw that the stone had been rolled back;it was very large.On entering the tomb they saw a young mansitting on the right side, clothed in a white robe,and they were utterly amazed.He said to them, "Do not be amazed!You seek Jesus of Nazareth, the crucified.He has been raised; he is not here.Behold the place where they laid him.But go and tell his disciples and Peter,'He is going before you to Galilee;there you will see him, as he told you.'"

Divine Mercy In this episode we talk about the incredible gift of Divine Mercy! We talk a little bit about St. Faustina and our Lord's revelations to her about his ocean of mercy. We also discuss what a lack of trust looks like and what the stumbling blocks are to trusting in the heart of Jesus. Sister Miriam's one thing - Tacos! Michelle's one thing - The Diary of St. Faustina (links below) Heather's one thing - The Be Not Afraid Conference from Stacey Sumereau Resources: Purchase The Diary of St. Faustina via US Amazon Link, a Canada Amazon link, and a UK Amazon link. (As an Amazon Associate, Abiding Together earns from qualifying Amazon purchases.) Discussion questions: What struck you from the podcast? What does a lack of trust look like for you? Do you trust the Lord with yourself? Do you trust him with the people you love? Where do you feel difficulty depending or relying on others? How trustworthy are you? How can you grow in being trustworthy? Journal Questions: Reflect and journal about this scripture: Jeremiah 17:7-8. What does it speak to you personally? Inviting the Lord to come with you, look at the places where you find it difficult to trust? What lies did you believe that made trust difficult for you? What new way is Jesus trying to show you? How can you cooperate with him? What does it mean to say, "Jesus, I trust in You"? Where do you say "Jesus, I trust in You, except…" Quote to Ponder - "There is nothing more man needs than Divine Mercy – that love which is benevolent, which is compassionate, which raises man above his weakness to the infinite heights to the holiness of God." - St. John Paul II Scripture for Lectio Divina - "But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit." - Jeremiah 17:7-8

Holy Week: The Stations of the Cross In this episode we decided to pray through the Stations of the Cross, found in St. Faustina's Diary. During Holy Week, we wanted to take this opportunity to quiet our hearts and reflect on our Lord's suffering and death, so we can enter in more fully. We hope that you will use this as a prayer resource and pray with your families or on your own. Sponsor: The Hallow app Hallow is a Catholic prayer and meditation app that helps us deepen our relationship with Christ through 5-30 minute, audio-guided contemplative prayer sessions. Think Headspace or Calm, but authentically Catholic. The app includes everything from Lectio Divina on the daily Gospel, to the Rosary, to daily Examens, to meditations focused on preparing for bed in the evening (including Night Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours), to minute meditations for moments of temptation or thanks, and much more. In the app, you'll find a session focused on spiritual communion for the many separated from physical Mass during a time of crisis, as well as praylists for a variety of spiritual needs, like being "Stuck at Home", or seeking patience or healing. Hallow currently offers daily Lenten meditations, and is currently producing meditations for Palm Sunday and the Easter Triduum. You'll find lectio divina with Mass readings, Spiritual Communion, Holy Hours, chant, and more. Get an extended free trial of the app for 3 months! using promo code: Abide Resources St Faustina's Way of the Cross Chaplet of Divine Mercy The Divine Mercy Novena Discussion questions: What part of the Stations of the Cross spoke to you? How can you enter into Holy Week in a new way this year? What does it mean to you, that Jesus suffered and died for you, so that you could be with Him in heaven forever? Journal Questions: Reflect and pray on Mt 26:40 "Then he came to the disciples and found them sleeping; and he said to Peter, "So, could you not stay awake with me one hour?" How can you keep watch with Jesus during Holy Week? Quote to Ponder - "Do not be afraid of sufferings; I am with you." - The Diary of St. Faustina (151) Scripture for Lectio Divina - "Then he came to the disciples and found them sleeping; and he said to Peter, "So, could you not stay awake with me one hour?" Mt 26:40

Epilogue: Living the Painting In this episode we finish up our 6 part series on the book The Return of the Prodigal Son and talk about "Living the Painting". We talk about how much of our healing happens in the context of community and relationship. We also discuss the process of bringing home parts of ourselves that live far away from God. Each of us have places that need to be welcomed home and as we heal, we are able to offer a home coming to the lost places in others. Sister Miriam's one thing - Unbreakable Heart by JJ Heller Michelle's one thing - Mother by JJ Heller, The Greenhouse Collective, and my really big keychain! Heather's one thing - You Alone by Lauren Daigle Sponsor: Monk Manual The Monk Manual 90 Day planner is inspired by monks, backed by science, and made for busy women like you. Progress isn't always gained through new methods and ideas. Sometimes it's in rediscovering the time-tested and proven methods of the past. Today, science proves that habits practiced by monks lead to human flourishing and wellbeing. The Monk Manual is built off the idea that Monks are the most productive people in the world. Monks know that productivity isn't about doing more things, it's about doing the most important things well. As foreign as the way of a monk may seem, it turns out to be a highly practical path to a fulfilled life. The Monk Manual helps you bring the way of the monk into your daily life by focusing you on the most important things so you can live each moment with greater purpose, productivity, and presence. Whereas most planners emphasize doing, the Monk Manual is designed to help you grow in both being and doing every day. The daily, weekly, and monthly pages each serve a specific purpose to help you: - Focus on the truly most important things.- Experience a greater sense of peace and purpose in your daily life.- Gain personal insight and clarity, all while achieving your goals.- Find and achieve your higher purpose. For 20% off your purchase of Monk Manual, use promo code: together Bonus: If you've been impacted by COVID-19 and find yourself needing a little help easing the transition and bringing some order to your students' or children's lives, in addition to getting the Monk Manual for yourself you can also download free planning pages for students and/or weekly lesson planning pages for parents and teachers. Announcements! The Abiding Together Lenten Book Study is The Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri Nouwen. With this episode, we're wrapping up, but you can do this book study any time! Purchase the book via US Amazon Link, a Canada Amazon link, and a UK Amazon link. (As an Amazon Associate, Abiding Together earns from qualifying Amazon purchases.) The Abiding Together shop has new items! We have a journal and a mug inspired by Henri Nouwen, created especially for this Lenten book study. An online conference for all those who are anxious, afraid, bored, spiritually starving, or isolated. An opportunity to turn isolation into a fruitful retreat. Building deeper trust in God instead of a Netflix binge. A chance to grow spiritually this Lent, even for those without Mass. This is the Be Not Afraid Conference! Sister Miriam, Heather, and Michelle are three of the amazing speakers who are giving talks and reflections. Sign up today! Discussion questions: What struck you from the podcast? What places do you feel uncertain and need the reassurance of God the Father? Can you relate to the experience of having parts of you that you don't "welcome home"? How can you begin to care for those parts of you? What is a "sophisticated defense" you may need to leave behind? What titles are you called to live further into (sister, mother, wife, daughter etc)? What does growth in those areas look like? Journal Questions: Reflect and journal about this scripture: Luke 15:11-32. What does it speak to you personally this last time? How vulnerable are you allowing yourself to be in relationships? Are you opening up to the point that the ugliness can come out, and you can begin to receive healing within the safety of a community? Where are you unwelcoming to yourself? Ask Christ to reveal to you how He sees you. What does he say? What younger part of yourself is lost and needs to be welcomed home? Quote to Ponder - "Everything in me yearned to be received in the way the prodigal son was received. That encounter turned out to be the beginning of my own return." - Henri Nouwen Scripture for Lectio Divina - Luke 15:11-32 - The Parable of the Prodigal Son

Becoming the Father In this episode, we continue with Part 5 of our book study on The Return of the Prodigal Son and discuss "Becoming the Father". Many of us have heard the invitation to live as daughters and sons of God, but most of us haven't heard the invitation to become the father/mother. We will always be children of God, but we are simultaneously invited to mature into becoming a spiritual mother and father, providing, comforting, nurturing others in selfless ways. We also discuss how God wants to heal our idea of who He is and the places we didn't get what we need so that we can be a more pure example of His love for others. Sister Miriam's one thing - The Heart: An Analysis of Human and Divine Affectivity by Dietrich von Hildebrand (Link for Canada. Link for UK.) Michelle's one thing - True Devotion to the Holy Spirit by Archbishop Luis Martinez (Link for Canada. Link for UK.), Shannon from ChewsLife Heather's one thing - My new Return to the Father's Love playlist on Spotify. Floodgates by The Sations Additional Resources Heather loves you, so she made a playlist for you! This is to help accompany you in your prayer with the book study - Return to the Father's Love playlist on Spotify. Announcements! The Abiding Together Lenten Book Study is The Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri Nouwen. You can still join us! Purchase the book via US Amazon Link, a Canada Amazon link, and a UK Amazon link. (As an Amazon Associate, Abiding Together earns from qualifying Amazon purchases.) The Abiding Together shop has new items! We have a new journal and a new mug inspired by Henri Nouwen, created just for this Lenten book study! An online conference for all those who are anxious, afraid, bored, spiritually starving, or isolated. An opportunity to turn isolation into a fruitful retreat. Building deeper trust in God instead of a Netflix binge. A chance to grow spiritually this Lent, even for those without Mass. This is the Be Not Afraid Conference! Sister Miriam, Heather, and Michelle are three of the amazing speakers who will be giving talks and reflections, starting March 20th, 2020. Sign up now! Discussion questions: What struck you from the podcast? What are the masks that I have put on God the Father? What is paralyzing you from coming close to the Father, or letting him come close to you? What does it look like when you yourself live out the qualities of "the Father"? Journal Questions: Reflect and journal about this scripture: Luke 15:11-32. What does it speak to you personally this time? What do the eyes of the Father look like when He looks at you? What is it that you need to grieve? Quote to Ponder - "Be compassionate as your Father is compassionate." - Henri Nouwen Scripture for Lectio Divina - Luke 15:11-32 - The Parable of the Prodigal Son

The Father In this episode, we continue with Part 4 of our book study on The Return of the Prodigal Son and talk about God the Father. We discuss the failure of earthly and spiritual fathers and how God wants to restore our understanding of His fatherhood. We also talk about the mercy of the Father, the invitation to receive His blessing, and how the Father's heart burns for us to come home to Him. Sister Miriam's one thing - Come Out of Hiding - Stephanie Gretzinger and Celebrate Me Home - Kenny Loggins Michelle's one thing - Marie Miller's New Album - Little Dreams (Watch the video here!) and the Mother Teresa sticker from @redeemed_free Heather's one thing - Family and community (And hey, Louisiana!!) Sponsor: ChewsLife The mission of Chews Life is to equip all Catholics with the Rosary for life! They create beautiful and practical rosaries with unique features to bring the rosary into your daily life. Chews Life silicone and gemstone products are dreamed, designed, and made by a team of amazing Catholic mamas in West Michigan, USA. The rosary will save the world. Check out some Chews Life rosaries! Use code "AbidingTogether10" for a 10% discount! Additional Resources Heather loves you, so she made a playlist for you! Return to the Father's Love playlist on Spotify. Announcements! The Abiding Together Lenten Book Study is The Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri Nouwen. You can still join us! Purchase the book via US Amazon Link, a Canada Amazon link, and a UK Amazon link. (As an Amazon Associate, Abiding Together earns from qualifying Amazon purchases.) The Abiding Together shop has new items! We have a new journal and a new mug inspired by Henri Nouwen, created just for this Lenten book study! Discussion questions: What struck you from the podcast? How can you create space to hear the Father speak blessing to you? What are the words of blessing God wants you to hear in this moment? In light of all the abuses in the Church, how can you yourself "lean in in love" rather than letting discouragement drive you away from God? How does God need to restore your understanding of Him as a loving, faithful Father? Journal Questions: Reflect and journal about this scripture: Luke 15:11-32. What does it speak to you personally this time? What are areas of your life where you believe the lie thatGod must be irritated with you? Do you imagine God as speaking blessing or condemnation toward you? When your models of fatherhood have failed you, how has that affected your sense of God as Father? What is God trying to tell you about himself as Father? Quote to Ponder - "As Rembrandt approached death, he chose to portray a very still Father who recognizes his son not with the eyes of the body, but with the inner eye of his heart." - Henri Nouwen Scripture for Lectio Divina - Luke 15:11-32 - The Parable of the Prodigal Son

The Elder Son In this episode we continue with Part 3 "The Elder Son", from our book study on The Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri Nouwen. We discuss how the elder son is also lost and in need of a homecoming because in his heart, he too is far away from the father. The struggles of the elder son are within all of us when we compare, feel like we are owed something, consider ourselves worthy because of our religious actions or adherence to the rules, and when we resist the loving embrace of God the Father. Sister Miriam's one thing - Prenatal Development video Michelle's one thing - Auburn's men's basketball Heather's one thing - Our Quit Talking to the Dang Snake mug! Announcements! The Abiding Together Lenten Book Study is The Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri Nouwen. You can still join us! Purchase the book via US Amazon Link, a Canada Amazon link, and a UK Amazon link. (As an Amazon Associate, Abiding Together earns from qualifying Amazon purchases.) The Abiding Together shop has new items! We have a new journal and a new mug inspired by Henri Nouwen, created just for this Lenten book study! Discussion questions: What struck you from the podcast? Which son do you identify with more? What are the signs in your own life that show that you're living fully alive in the Lord? What about when you're not? What practical things help you grow in the discipline of gratitude and trust? Journal Questions: Reflect and journal about this scripture: Luke 15:11-32. What does it speak to you personally this time? Do you feel God is holding out on you in some area? How can you trustingly surrender that to him? What are the bitter places you hear in your speech? What deeper issue are they pointing to? Quote to Ponder - "Joy and resentment cannot coexist." - Henri Nouwen Scripture for Lectio Divina - Luke 15:11-32 - The Parable of the Prodigal Son

The Younger Son In this episode we continue with Part 2 of our book study on The Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri Nouwen. We talk about the places within ourselves that, like the younger son, are living in a distant land, far from the love of God the Father. We discuss how often we search for unconditional love outside of God and are left heartbroken. We long to hear His voice speak healing to our souls that we are His beloved on whom His favor rests. Sister Miriam's one thing - Joan of Arc Michelle's one thing - Ruah Storytellers podcast Heather's one thing - Patreon patrons and our listeners around the world! Announcements! The Abiding Together Lenten Book Study is The Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri Nouwen. You can still join us - we're just getting started! Purchase the book via US Amazon Link, a Canada Amazon link, and a UK Amazon link. (As an Amazon Associate, Abiding Together earns from qualifying Amazon purchases.) The Abiding Together shop has new items! We have a new journal and a new mug inspired by Henri Nouwen, created just for this Lenten book study! Discussion questions: What struck you from the podcast? What are the ways you experience longing for Heaven? Where have you gone looking for "distant countries"? What are the voices you listen to that call you from home? What are the vulnerable places, where your faith in being Beloved is fragile? Journal Questions: Reflect and journal about this scripture: Luke 15:11-32. What does it speak to you personally this time? What do you think about the idea that Heaven is your home? Where, right now, do you need God to speak into? Where are you still striving or self-protecting? Recall the confidence and security of Henri Nouwen's "litany" of what it means to be the Beloved. Create your own Litany of the Beloved! "As the Beloved, _____" Quote to Ponder - "Home is the center of my being where I can hear the voice that says: 'You are my Beloved, on you my favor rests.'" - Henri Nouwen Scripture for Lectio Divina - Luke 15:11-32 - The Parable of the Prodigal Son

The Story of Two Sons and Their Father In this episode, we kick off our 6-part Lenten book study on The Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri Nouwen, beginning with the Prologue and Introduction. We chat about our identity as children of God, the mercy of the Father, and how God uses art and beauty to speak to us. We explore the idea of home and a homecoming, which speaks of our deep desire for heaven. We also talk about how often fear and self protection keeps us from experiencing the healing love of the Father. Sister Miriam's one thing - Dentists! The unsung heroes. Michelle's one thing - The Instagram accounts @OodsofGlutes (from Allie at @Oodlesofdoodles) and @Oodsofflutes Heather's one thing - Ruth Stricklin from New Jerusalem Studios Announcements! The Abiding Together Lenten Book Study is The Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri Nouwen. You can still join us - we're just getting started! Purchase the book via US Amazon Link, a Canada Amazon link, and a UK Amazon link. (As an Amazon Associate, Abiding Together earns from qualifying Amazon purchases.) The Abiding Together shop has new items! We have a new journal and a new mug inspired by Henri Nouwen, created just for this Lenten book study! Discussion questions: What struck you from the podcast? What does the idea of "home" mean to you? Have you ever had an experience where beauty led you to the divine? Share about it! How are you taking steps on the journey toward the embrace of the Father? Journal Questions: Reflect and journal about this scripture: Luke 15:11-32. What does it speak to you personally? Does the thought of vulnerability and the embrace of God make you feel at peace or uneasy? Do you find yourself to be an observer in your own story? Where and how can you "dare to step into the center, kneel down, and let [yourself] be held by a forgiving God?" Quote to Ponder - "'Coming home' meant, for me, walking step by step toward the One who awaits me with open arms and wants to hold me in an eternal embrace." - Henri Nouwen Scripture for Lectio Divina - Luke 15:11-32 - The Parable of the Prodigal Son

The Power of Holy Hour In this episode we have our dear friend Fr. Josh Johnson back on the podcast to discuss how to have a fruitful Holy Hour. Through his humor and reflections, Fr. Josh shares practical tools as well spiritual insights about how to pray in silence and grow in intimacy with Jesus. Fr. Josh's one thing - The Liturgy of the Hours Sister Miriam's one thing - Calming Christian playlist on Spotify Michelle's one thing - Priscilla at The Little Catholic shop Heather's one thing - The movie The Peanut Butter Falcon Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by The Little Catholic shop. The main objective of The Little Catholic shop is to evangelize through beauty. The medals are handmade in Southern California. Beauty has a powerful ability to draw people to the Church, whether it be the sound of prayers, the beautiful stained glass windows of a church, or the kindness of another person. The Little Catholic Shop wants to provide the kind of beauty that heals to each person who sees or wears their pieces. Use promo code Abide15 for 15% off the store. Additional Resources The Pocket Guide to Adoration by Fr. Josh Johnson. Listeners in Canada, shop here. Listeners in the UK, shop here. Announcements! The Abiding Together Lenten Book Study will be The Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri Nouwen. Purchase the book via US Amazon Link, a Canada Amazon link, and a UK Amazon link. (As an Amazon Associate, Abiding Together earns from qualifying Amazon purchases.) The Abiding Together shop is open! Take a peek at some of the fun new things we have for you, including the "Quit talking to the dang snake" mug! Discussion questions: What struck you from the podcast? Do you make adoration a regular practice? Why or why not? What has been your experience of adoration? What are some ways you've learned to avoid distraction in adoration? What are some ways you like to pray in adoration? Journal Questions: Reflect and journal about this scripture: Jeremiah 19:12-14. What does it speak to you personally? Take some time in adoration this week: What do you hear the Lord saying to you while you spend time with Him? What's holding you back from spending time in adoration? How do you think the Lord wants to respond to that? Quote to Ponder - "Spend one hour each day in adoration of your Lord. Never do anything you know is wrong. Follow this and you'll be fine." ― St. Teresa of Calcutta to Henri Nouwen Scripture for Lectio Divina - Jeremiah 19:12-14: "Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the Lord.