Abiding Together – Détails, épisodes et analyse

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 Franciscan University and OSV. Special thanks to MAX Studios for recording and hosting the live podcast stage.

Heather’s Highlight from the NEC - Adoration with Floriani 

Heather’s One Thing - Receiving a copy of her new book:  Encountering Emmanuel (A Guided Advent Journal for Prayer and Meditation)

Fr. Dave’s Highlight from the NEC - His time spent with the young people at the Congress

Fr. Dave’s One Thing - Deep friendships

Other Resources Mentioned: 

• Msgr. James Shea’s Full Speech at the National Eucharistic Congress

Announcement:

• Season 15 begins September 2024 - join our email list to receive updates!

Journal Questions:

• How have I experienced Eucharistic revival this year?
• Have you allowed the stress of your duties and burdens take your eyes off Christ in this season?
• How can I shift my gaze from my inner world to Christ?

Discussion Questions:

• How has Christ encountered you personally when you felt lost in the crowd?
• What obstacles cause you to miss Him when He’s right in front of you?
• How can you put yourself back into the reality that God is sovereign and in control?

Quote to Ponder:

“The One whom the Father has sent into our hearts, the Spirit of his Son, is truly God. Consubstantial with the Father and the Son, the Spirit is inseparable from them, in both the inner life of the Trinity and his gift of love for the world. In adoring the Holy Trinity, life-giving, consubstantial, and indivisible, the Church's faith also professes the distinction of persons. When the Father sends his Word, he always sends his Breath. In their joint mission, the Son and the Holy Spirit are distinct but inseparable. To be sure, it is Christ who is seen, the visible image of the invisible God, but it is the Spirit who reveals him.” (CCC 689)

Scripture for Lectio: 

“When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed, and broke it, and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened and they recognized him; and he vanished out of their sight. They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the scriptures?” (Luke 24:30-32)

In this week's episode, we conclude our book study on the Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe. We chat about the resurrection, what it means to be restored and reconciled, and making space for childlike wonder. We hope you’ve enjoyed this book study with us and will see you again this Fall!

Everyone’s One Thing - The “Abiding” Women’s Conference in Louisiana

Journal Questions:

• Where do I need to ask God for mercy in my life right now?
• Where is my heart hard?
• How can I allow time and space for playfulness, joy, and childlike wonder?
• Where am I dying and need Christ to bring life and make things new?

Discussion Questions:

• When have you experienced mercy?
• Who is someone that you need to offer mercy to?
• What do you experience when God has you in a process or journey? Are you able to be patient or are you filled with unrest and anxiety?
• In what ways do you live life in gray? In what ways do you live life in technicolor?

Quote to Ponder:

“We are not on earth to guard a museum, but to cultivate a flowering garden of life.” - Pope John XXIII

Scripture for Lectio: 

“Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in the newness of life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.” - Romans 6:4-5

Timestamps:

(00:00) - Introduction

(01:37) - Welcome

(03:00) - Aslan Gives His Life for Edmund

(07:27) - The Process and Pain of Restoration

(11:16) - Communion in Suffering

(15:17) - Resurrection

(19:32) - Living in Technicolor

(23:53) - The Final Battle

(24:25) - Returning to the Wardrobe

(27:42) - Childlike Faith

(29:08) - One Things

In this week's episode, we reflect on leading with our God-given authority rather than worldly influence. We discuss the importance of remembering our identity in Christ and how true authority is a display of intimacy that has been rooted in a real tangible love. We share the ways we may have been wounded by authority figures in our past, why these wounds can distort our perception of authority, and how to heal from these wounds so that we can lead others into the light of Christ.

Heather’s One Thing - Chicken Khao Soi (Thai Coconut Curry Noodle Soup) from My Kitchen Little

Sister Miriam’s On Thing - The book Litanies of the Heart by Dr Gerry Crete

Michelle’s One Thing - Beatify: Lullabies with the Saints (an album of Catholic lullabies) from Beatify with Josh Blakesley and Kelly Lombardi

Other Resources Mentioned: 

The Restore the Glory Podcast series on Parts Work (Parts Work (Part 1) w/ Gerry Crete; Parts Work (Part 2) w/ Brya Hanan; Parts Work (Part 3) w/ Bishop Andrew Miller)

Journal Questions:

• How have I abdicated my God-given authority?
• When do I perceive surrender to be a form of defeat?
• How has authority been misused in my life?
• How is God inviting me to stay with Him in faithfulness and obedience?
• Where do I need to be both honoring and honest?

Discussion Questions:

• How often do you think God is holding out on you?
• How do I lose sight of God-given authority by seeking out worldly influence?
• What accountability do I need to choose surrendered, God-given authority over worldly influence?
• When have you felt safe under God’s authority?
• How do you need to grow and mature to better lead and serve others?

Quote to Ponder:

“The fourth commandment opens the second table of the Decalogue. It shows us the order of charity. God has willed that, after him, we should honor our parents to whom we owe life and who have handed on to us the knowledge of God. We are obliged to honor and respect all those whom God, for our good, has vested with his authority.” (CCC 2197)

Scripture for Lectio: 

“Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.” (Deuteronomy 4:9)

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In this episode we discuss the importance of encountering God through play and leisure. We talk about how we remember what we played as children and when we stopped playing for a more serious, busy or productive adulthood. We chat about God’s desire to restore our playful hearts so that we may come as children with trust, dependence and surrender.

Michelle’s one thing -  My Heart - Corinna Luyken

Sister Miriam’s one thing - The Kid with Bruce Willis

Heather’s one thing - Joyful - Dante Bowe

Other Links mentioned in this episode:

S08 E11: Holey, Wholly, Holy: Living an Integrated Life

Michelle’s Fallow Blog Post

Discussion questions:    

1. What struck you from this week’s episode?
2. How do you understand ‘play’ - as a waste of time, unnecessary,frivolous or as a sign of trust, surrender and dependence?
3. What are small acts of play, rest and leisure that you enjoy? What are some new ways to incorporate play and leisure that God delights in into your life?

Journal Questions:

1. What is the history of play in your life? Reflect on what, when, and how you played as a child. When did you stop playing and why? How might God want to reclaim and redeem play in your life as an adult?
2. How might you need to replace efficiency, business and work of being an adult with the joy and delight of being child-like? How does the Father delight in you as you play?

Quote to Ponder:  The true object of all human life is play. Earth is a task garden; heaven is a playground.” - G.K. Chesterton

Scripture for Lectio Divina: “Truly I tell you,” He said, “unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. - Matthew 18:3 

This episode is sponsored by Reform Wellness. 

This week’s episode is sponsored by Reform, a Christ-centered functional medicine and holistic wellness practice. Reform redefines health as the state of your body and soul. Reform’s mission is to empower the whole person to find well-being in Christ and become the best versions of themselves physically, mentally and spiritually. Through their unique faith-based approach, Reform takes your symptoms as cues to address root causes of disease.

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You can find more information about Reform on their website, reformwellness.co and on IG @reform_wellness Reform is offering a discount for all of our listeners on their upcoming May Workshop: Mary and Motherhood. Use code “Abide15” for your exclusive discount by April 30th.

In this episode we complete the four part mini-series Herstory on women in Scripture with the story of Esther. We discuss the providence in the behind the scenes work of God and how God’s call on one person’s life can cause a ripple effect within a nation. We chat about God’s design and plan for each of us and how he desires to use your unique influence to build the kingdom right where you are. We pray that you would receive God’s courage to live out your feminine genius to bring about God’s glory today.

Michelle’s one thing -   Magdelena Kyne and the Lorien art prints that she created for me

Sister Miriam’s one thing - WoodWick Candles

Heather’s one thing - Employees and volunteers at my diocese in Vancouver

Other Links mentioned in this episode: The Feminine Genius Series on the Abiding Together Podcast

Discussion questions:    

1. What struck you from this week’s episode?
2. What do you think of the idea that you were born for a time such as this? What do you think God’s purpose for your life is in this particular time?
3. Where is an area the Holy Spirit is inviting you to speak or act on behalf of others? Where is he inviting you to wield your influence?
4. Can you recognize times you have listened to the enemy’s out of tune song over your life with themes like diminishing your role or over-emphasizing your sin and when you have listened to God’s song over your life speaking of the truth of who God is and who you are?

Journal Questions:

1. How does your personal Fiat affect others? How do the small and simple yeses everyday build up the kingdom of God here and now?
2. What grace do you need most - courage to speak or act, prudence to know which battles to fight, wisdom to know what to do next - to act upon God’s call on your life?
3. Where is the influence God has given you and where is he calling you to use your influence to bring about his kingdom?

Quote to Ponder:  "The feminine genius is needed wherever we make important decisions.” - Pope Francis

Scripture for Lectio Divina: “Perhaps you were born for such a time as this.” - Esther 4:14

In this episode, we continue the 4 part “Herstory” mini-series focusing on women in scripture with the Easter story of Mary Magdalene. We discuss how Jesus taught Mary a new way to live and how her audacious love led her to be called the “apostle of hope”, announcing his resurrection to the apostles. We chat about the power of naming the areas of grief, shame, or sin in our lives so that we can experience the resurrection Jesus desires for us this side of heaven and in eternity. Join us next week as we dive into the last of four women in scripture: Esther. 

Heather’s one thing - No Longer Slaves - Zach Williams

Michelle’s one thing -  The Technicolor of Spring!

Sister Miriam’s one thing - The lovely people at St Mary’s Parish in Mokena, IL. Esp the ladies group! 

Discussion questions:    

1. What struck you from this week’s episode?
2. What would you like God to resurrect in your life this Easter season?
3. How does Jesus desire to be “Rabboni” (teacher) for you this Easter and teach you a new way to live?
4. In your life, what desires need to be named, what sin needs to be named, what sorrow needs to be named?

Journal Questions:

1. Have you allowed yourself to hear the voice of the Lord, call you by name, especially in areas where you are broken, ashamed and sinful?
2. Imagine yourself in the garden with Jesus. As He calls you by name and asks you ‘why are you crying?’, what would you like to talk to Jesus about?

Quote to Ponder: Most of all I imitate the behavior of Mary Magdalene, for her amazing – or, rather, loving – audacity which delighted the heart of Jesus, has cast its spell upon mine. – St. Therese of Lisieux

Scripture for Lectio Divina:  Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance.  So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!” So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb.  Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first.  He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. Then Simon Peter came along behind him and went straight into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there,  as well as the cloth that had been wrapped around Jesus’ head. The cloth was still lying in its place, separate from the linen. Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed. (They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.) Then the disciples went back to where they were staying. Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb  and saw two angels in white,seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot. They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?” “They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus. He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?” Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.” Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!”(which means “Teacher”). Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her. - John 20:1-18

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In this episode, we conclude our six-part Lenten series on the book “This Present Paradise” by Claire Dwyer. Claire joins us as we discuss the hidden way St. Elizabeth of the Trinity chooses us and draws us closer to God. We chat about St. Elizabeth’s delayed canonization and her prophetic messages: the call to love and be loved, the universal call to holiness, and God’s desire for deep intimacy that moves us to union and receptivity to the Holy Spirit. Thank you for joining us on the journey this Lent!

Claire’s one thing - A Personal Guide for Receiving the Father’s Love - Father Thomas Acklin and Fr. Boniface Hicks 

Heather’s one thing - Heather’s Easter Playlist: Hallelujah Is Our Song

Michelle’s one thing -  A place to belong - Letters from Catholic Women - Corynne Staresinic or buy directly from Pauline Press and receive a free tote!

Sister Miriam’s one thing - Ginger Tea: Boiled water, fresh ginger and fresh turmeric. Other add-ins: Honey, Lemon, Apple Cider Vinegar, (and black pepper too if you wish!)

Other books discussed in this episode -

Let the Fire Fall - Father Michel Scanlan 

Two Sisters in the Spirit: Therese of Lisieux and Elizabeth of the Trinity - Hans Von Balthasar 

Discussion questions:    

1. What struck you from this week’s episode?
2. How have you experienced St. Elizabeth drawing you into a more intimate union with God this Lent? How can we continue to live our lives as a “praise of glory” as we move into the Easter season?
3. How do we become more of ourselves when we leave this life and this earth?
4. What has been the greatest fruit of allowing yourself to be loved by God?

Journal Questions:

1. How is God calling you to ‘take your seat’ at the table with the communion of Saints? What is your place at the table? What is your unique call to be a part of the Church?
2. When have you struggled with false humility? How do you understand God’s call to sanctity and greatness?
3. How is God inviting you to be a part of the spiritual renewal of the Church?

Quote to Ponder:  “Let yourself be loved” - St. Elizabeth of the Trinity

Scripture for Lectio Divina:  “We who first hoped in Christ have been destined and appointed to live for the praise of his glory.” - Ephesians 1:12

Abiding Together Podcast 2021 Lenten Book Study Announcement: The Abiding Together Podcast is reading and discussing This Present Paradise by Claire Dwyer for Lent. You can find the reading plan, discussion questions, additional resources and where to buy your book at www.abidingtogetherpodcast.com/this-present-paradise. 

This episode is sponsored by SpiritualDirection.com.

SpiritualDirection.com is the largest website dedicated to authentic Catholic spirituality in the world.  An Apostolate of the Avila Foundation, SpiritualDirection.com is a source of all things good, true and beautiful the Church today: webinars with best-selling authors, powerful reflections, teachings, videos and podcasts on scripture, the saints, spiritual warfare, and discernment of spirits, as well as news about upcoming courses in spiritual theology—including some on your favorite Carmelite saints! Right now, for a limited time, if you go to spiritualdirection.com/Elizabeth,  you can get a free download of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity’s most beautiful quotes. Print them, frame them, share them—and be reminded of God’s immense and unfailing love.

In this episode, we continue with part five of our six-part Lenten series on the book “This Present Paradise” by Claire Dwyer. We discuss the power of small acts of love that serve as the true measure of feminine strength. We expand on the ideas of humility, vulnerability and the hidden life in the inner cloister. We also chat about our call to spiritual maternity especially in the invitation to pray for priests. We hope you can join us next week for the conclusion of our series as we are joined by Claire Dwyer for our final discussion.

Heather’s one thing - Lemon Garlic Grilled Chicken Recipe

Michelle’s one thing -  Cooking the Catholic Relief Services Meal with her family

Sister Miriam’s one thing - Institute of Catholic Culture

Discussion questions:    

1. What struck you from this week’s episode?
2. Where in your life do you feel particularly little or hidden right now? 
3. What area do you feel desperately in need of the Savior?
4. How can you and your group respond to the invitation to pray for priests?
5. How have you experienced the complementarity of the feminine and masculine genius?

Journal Questions:

1. What has been your experience of the inner cloister this Lent? 
2. What would it look like to unleash spiritual maternity within your life?
3. What have been some of the greatest sufferings of your life?Have you been able to see or experience sanctification and redemption in them? 

Quote to Ponder:  “A single action — even the least and most insignificant — done with the view of pleasing God alone, and of glorifying Him, is worth infinitely more, so to speak, than many actions in themselves of the greatest value and worth that spring from other motives.” -  Lorenzo Scupoli, Spiritual Combat

Scripture for Lectio Divina: “If a man loves me,’ says the Lord, ‘he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him, and make our home with him” - John 14:23

Abiding Together Podcast 2021 Lenten Book Study Announcement: The Abiding Together Podcast is reading and discussing This Present Paradise by Claire Dwyer for Lent. You can find the reading plan, discussion questions, additional resources and where to buy your book at www.abidingtogetherpodcast.com/this-present-paradise. 

In this episode, we continue with part four of our six-part Lenten series on the book “This Present Paradise” by Claire Dwyer. We discuss our experiences of peace and home felt at ‘thin places’ like monasteries and convents and how God desires for us to experience this within our souls’ inner cloister. We chat about the maturation of love over time in our relationship with God and the helpfulness of a rule of life to anchor our daily decisions in rightly ordered love. We pray that as your journey through this Lent, you may respond to God’s desire for you and experience greater union with him.

Heather’s one thing - Bees!

Michelle’s one thing - Humble Mission beads - St. Elizabeth of the Trinity Bracelet 

Michelle’s other one thing - The Interior Castle: Study Edition 

Sister Miriam’s one thing - With You - Jonathan Ogden 

Other Links mentioned in the episode-

The Visitation Sisters & Monastery in Mobile, Alabama 

The Nashville Dominicans 

Father John Burns Podcast on Religious Life 

Prayer from Cardinal John Henry Newman -

O my God, let me never forget that seasons of consolation are refreshments here, and nothing more; not our abiding state. They will not remain with us, except in heaven. Here they are only intended to prepare us for doing and suffering. I pray Thee, O my God, to give them to me from time to time. Shed over me the sweetness of Thy Presence, lest I faint by the way. . . . Give me Thy Divine consolations from time to time; but let me not rest in them. Let me use them for the purpose for which Thou givest them. Let me not think it grievous, let me not be downcast, if they go. Let them carry me forward to the thought and the desire of heaven. — St. John Henry Newman, Prayers, Poems, Meditations 

Discussion questions:    

1. What struck you from this week’s episode?
2. Have you ever had an experience like Heather visiting the Nashville Dominicans or Michelle at the Visitation Monastery in Mobile? How would you describe the presence of God in these ‘thin places’?
3. How have you seen love mature in relationships with your spouse, family or friends? How have you experienced love maturing in your relationship with God?
4. This Lent, what is one practice or habit God is calling you to use as an anchor to help you grow in intimacy with Him in the cloister of your soul, so love can flow from that relationship? How have you seen this at work so far this Lent?

Journal Questions:

1. Take a moment to imagine the ‘secret garden’, a place for God within you? What does it look like, smell like, and sound like? What flowers, trees, animals or structures fill the space? What is this place for Jesus to meet you intimately?
2. What has been your experience of intimacy with Jesus? 
3. Take a moment to pray the prayer from Cardinal Newman. What does the Lord want to say to you this?

Quote to Ponder:  “The more precious the love, the more precautions to guard it. The grating in a Carmelite monastery is not to keep the sisters in, but to keep the world out.” - Archbishop Fulton Sheen

Scripture for Lectio Divina: “Jesus said to him, ‘Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.’ “- John 20:29

Abiding Together Podcast 2021 Lenten Book Study Announcement: The Abiding Together Podcast is reading and discussing This Present Paradise by Claire Dwyer for Lent. You can find the reading plan, discussion questions, additional resources and where to buy your book at www.abidingtogetherpodcast.com/this-present-paradise. 

This episode is sponsored by Rooted for Good Skincare.

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In this episode, we dive into part three of our six-part Lenten series on the book “This Present Paradise” by Claire Dwyer. We chat about the importance of silence in a noisy, distracting world and how God is always present to us. We discuss the truth that God knows us by name, that we are always before him, and that He desires to restore what the enemy has stolen. We also talk about St. Elizabeth’s motto of ‘God in me and I in him’ and reflect on our own life mottos. We pray you may live a presence driven life this Lent and we will continue our journey with St. Elizabeth next week!

Heather’s one thing - Soaking in His Presence (Instrumental Worship) - William Augusto

Michelle’s one thing - Anna from CORDA candles

Sister Miriam’s one thing - The Way of the Cross with the Carmelite Saints - Sr. Joseph Marie, CHT on Amazon or through the Carmelite Publishing Company ICS Publications

Other links mentioned in the episode:

Institute of Carmelite Resources for books about St. Elizabeth of the Trinity

You can also find more St. Elizabeth of the Trinity resources including a Carmelite Examen and a book list on our website at www.abidingtogetherpodcast.com/this-present-paradise.

Discussion questions:    

1. What struck you from this week’s episode?
2.  What practical ways can we practice silence in a noisy world full of distractions? How can we begin to cultivate silence and recollection in our lives this Lent?
3. Looking at your life and losses, where have you seen God be a redeemer, restorer and rescuer? Thinking of the last year, what is a situation or loss that you would like to pray for God’s redemption?
4. What is the motto of your life? 

Journal Questions:

1. Take some time to think about your life motto. Sister Miriam describes this as “an expressed summary of intimacy with God or how he sees us and how we see him.” How can you remind yourself of this each day?
2. Reflect on the past year and some of the big and small losses you have experienced. Pray with Psalm 18:19 and have a conversation with God about your desires for redemption and restoration. 
3. What is one area of woundedness you would like to invite Christ to come close to and kiss? Take a moment of prayer to allow Christ to do this.

Quote to Ponder: “God in me, I in him.” - St. Elizabeth of the Trinity

Scripture for Lectio Divina: “You have found favor in my sight, and I know you by name” - Exodus 33:17

Abiding Together Podcast 2021 Lenten Book Study Announcement: The Abiding Together Podcast is reading and discussing This Present Paradise by Claire Dwyer for Lent. You can find the reading plan, discussion questions, additional resources and where to buy your book at www.abidingtogetherpodcast.com/this-present-paradise. 

Join us for the 2021 National Catholic Women’s Conference on March 12-14, 2021. We will have a live session with the ladies of the Abiding Together Podcast on Saturday March 13 at 6:00 pm Eastern. You can register for free online here.