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 obstacle we’ve noticed

Heather’s One Thing - Big Apple Catholic’s new shop! Especially the Holy Spirit crew neck

Sister Miriam’s One Thing - A quote from St. Catherine of Siena “He will provide the way and the means, such as you could never have imagined. Leave it all to Him, let go of yourself, lose yourself on the Cross, and you will find yourself entirely.”

Michelle’s One Thing - LifeTeen Summer Camp and Camp Chosatonga

Other Resources Mentioned:

• The Women Doctors of the Church Podcast Series

Announcement:

New Abiding Together merch is coming soon! Subscribe to our weekly email newsletter to receive updates.

Journal Questions:

• What were the joyful mysteries (delights, tangible gratitude) of my summer?
• How are you waiting on the Lord’s Providence?
• What were the sorrowful mysteries (hurts, obstacles) of my summer?
• Where in my life do I believe that if “it feels bad, it is bad?”
  

Discussion Questions:

• Who walked with you throughout this summer?
• How have you tangibly experienced Christ’s presence in the midst of sorrow?
• Where have you experienced healing from the Lord this summer?
• What changes are you sensing (internally or externally) with the start of fall?

Quote to Ponder:

“Looking at Mary, how can we, her children, fail to let the aspiration to beauty, goodness and purity of heart be aroused in us? Her heavenly candor draws us to God, helping us to overcome the temptation to live a mediocre life composed of compromises with evil, and directs us decisively towards the authentic good that is the source of joy.” (Angelus, December 8, 2005 Pope Benedict)

Scripture for Lectio:

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Sponsor - Called to Communicate

Our baptism equips and compels us to extend the prophetic mission of Jesus Christ. Each woman who has encountered Christ has a story and a message of hope.

We live in times that need women’s voices to reclaim the power of words and put them in the service of the Gospel.

Called to Communicate is a free 5-day online conference beginning September 30, 2024. This online event promises encouragement, laughter, tears, practical advice, and spiritual wisdom from the women leading in the Church’s mission of evangelization.

Register at CalledtoCommunicate.com. If the event dates have passed, the entire conference is still available to purchase and watch! Listen to powerful interviews with Heather, Michelle, Sister Miriam and many others.

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Timestamps:

00:00 - Called to Communicate

01:28 - Intro

02:21 - Welcome

06:37 - Guiding Quote

07:40 - Joy

15:36 - Sorrow

30:05 - One Things

33:02 - Announcement

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)